It is submitted that, for example, the display of the Union flag is clearly identified with the Unionist community, with the Union with Britain and with those who would refer to themselves as British. To display the Union flag - or for that matter the Irish Tricolour alone - is contrary to the above principles of [parity and esteem and of the just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos and aspirations of both communities] and good practice. It should be noted that this argument is not outlined so as to suggest that in the treatment of issues of identity - flag, language etc - there should always be the same treatment at all times and in all ways. This may not be appropriate in political terms, feasible in financial terms or practical in real terms. This policy document elaborates on this perspective at paragraph (19).
13) Moreover, to display the Union flag on government buildings only does not accord "just and equal treatment to the identity, ethos and aspirations" of the nationalist community. In addition, it is submitted that the display of the Union flag only on government buildings does not respect the right "to be accepted as Irish."
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The flying of a flag to which one community in Northern Ireland identifies, but another does not, is not sensitive. Nor does it promote mutual respect rather than division.
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17) There are four options for addressing this issue, which it has been argued are consistent with the Agreements:
• flying of no flags on government buildings;
• flying both the Union Flag and the Irish Tricolour;
• creating new consensual symbols with which both unionists and nationalists could identify;
• acknowledge that the principles of the Agreements may enable consideration of the display of either the Union flag and Irish Tricolour together or, where appropriate, display of the Union flag or Irish Tricolour only on restricted days and on restricted buildings by agreement.
The SDLP is prepared to consider each of these options. It is recognised that the display of both flags would at this time be viewed by unionists as not sensitive to their concerns and that, also, in the current circumstances, it may be difficult to secure agreement on consensual symbols. However the SDLP would wish to explore further these options in order to satisfactorily resolve this issue.
18) The SDLP remains committed to develop this issue in a creative and constructive manner. Therefore, and elaborating on 17(D) above, it has been argued that it is not necessarily valid that the same outcome is achieved on all aspects of the expression of different identities in Northern Ireland. Indeed, it is argued by some that parity of esteem could allow for different, as well as the same circumstances, to apply in relation to issues of identity. In this context, a situation could arise where there would be different, as well as same circumstances, applying to the display of the Union flag and to the Irish Tricolour. If different, as well as same circumstances, could apply to the display of flags, it would then be a matter of agreeing when and where they could be displayed, either together or separately, ensuring that there is no unreasonable differential between the occasions when, for example, the Union flag and Irish Tricolour would be displayed separately. It may help inform this issue, if this option was to be explored further.
However, an environment to consider all options can best be developed if there is a determination arising from the present consultation consistent with the principles, legal precedents and inter-party and inter-government agreements outlined above.
20) At present, however, the SDLP favours, as an interim step, in the current environment and to act consistent with the Agreements the option of flying no flags. This is not a resolution to this issue. It reflects realities without closing down opportunities, treats both communities in Northern Ireland equally and is consistent not only with the principle of just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos and aspirations of both communities, but also with the right of people in Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both. The SDLP believes that this is a preferred method to proceed. However, the SDLP repeats that this is not a resolution of this issue and will continue to seek to explore methods of advancing the other options and addressing concerns.
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