Let us unite against the Union flag bully boys

The possible involvement of the BNP and other far-right groups in the Union flag issue in the North is sinister.

The decision of Belfast City Council to restrict the flying of the flag to 17 days a year, although unpopular with some, was exercised by a majority of councillors.

The nationalist enclave of the Short Strand, in east Belfast, is under Loyalist siege as so-called Union flag protesters engage in a most vulgar public display of tribal territoriality and domination, chanting sectarian bile at their nationalist neighbours. Shades of Holy Cross all over again. A more overt display of political, civic and moral bankruptcy would be difficult to imagine. Violent protests like we are witnessing throughout Belfast must not be allowed to dictate to, and intimidate, elected public representatives.

For society to bow to the sectarian and undemocratic demands of fascists and bullies is tantamount to permitting the state to be governed according to the principles of sectarian mob-rule. Neither the nationalist community, nor the rule of law, should acquiesce to these threats and intimidation

The people of this island have been subjected to Orange Order and poppy fascism, and it now appears that we are to be subjected to Union flag fascism.

Tom Cooper

Knocklyon

Dublin 16