Unionist investigates tricolour flower-bed ‘complaint’

AN Ulster Unionist MLA is investigating a “complaint” that a flower-bed in Craigavon, Co Armagh, resembles the Tricolour.

Sam Gardiner says constituents told him the floral display, a round flower bed with a white centre, yellow perimeter and green plant in the centre, was sending out the “wrong message” about the town.

The offending plant in the centre also has a white bud, green stem and yellow leaves.

“The complaint was very serious, and I am obliged to investigate on behalf of my constituents,” said Mr Gardiner.

“I have already talked to the council, at director level, about it and they have assured me the matter is being looked into.”

The display is sited at Tannaghmore Gardens, a middle-class area of Craigavon, a town which is almost evenly split between nationalists and unionists.

Local councillor Davy Jones, a leading Orangeman said the display was “flaunting Irishness”.

“Sinn Féin and the SDLP are wiping out Britishness,” he said.

No one from the council could be contacted.

A Sinn Féin spokesman described the complaint as “ludicrous and completely bizarre.”