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.