Responding to the publication of a consultation document on Paula Bradshaw’s proposed private members Bill regulating the display of flags, emblems, posters and banners TUV party chairman Cusher councillor Keith Ratcliffe said:
“These draconian proposals are clearly targeted at one community – Unionists. For example, question 10 in the survey asks how long emblems should be displayed on street furniture with the maximum option suggested by Ms Bradshaw merely one month. This takes no account of the fact that height of the marching season runs from the end of June when many mini twelfth and arch openings are held until the last Saturday in August when the Royal Black Institution parades. Many towns remain tastefully decorated for this entire period. The proposer also suggests that displays of flags and banners damage the economy while ignoring the fact that not just the parades but the whole events around the marching season generate many millions of pounds. Many of those outside the marching band community do not recognise that the uniforms – which can cost upwards of £1,000 even for children in pipe bands – are purchased without any access to government grants or the like. Parading on one of the major dates in the marching calendar is one of the biggest days of a young bandsman or bandswoman’s year. Seeking to strip towns of flags and bunting to mark that shows either ignorance of or disregard for an important section of society in Northern Ireland.
“But perhaps the most telling thing about these proposals becomes clear when we compare the Alliance approach to nationalist culture. Alliance have no problem in branding streets not for a week, two weeks, a month or even years with Irish signage which marks it out in the eyes of many as nationalist or republican territory. Far from seeking the removal of these divisive signs, Alliance champion policies which see them replaced at public expense when they are removed and the criminalisation of anyone who would act against them. Furthermore, in many instances we have seen them imposed on communities where there is minimal demand – something which again Alliance is happy about.
“Should these proposals pass it will result in another aspect of Unionist culture – in addition to parading – being policed by the state while Republican culture is championed. TUV will oppose these transparently double standards.”