Statement by TUV East Londonderry spokesperson Jordan Armstrong:
“Following the sad passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on Friday I contacted my local council, Derry and Strabane, requesting that they would fly the Union Flag at half-mast on all civic buildings in the area as a mark of respect. This suggestion was dismissed after less than two hours of the email being received.
“While Nationalists were happy to mouth platitudes for the cameras in Stormont on Monday at council level there is a telling lack of evidence of reaching out to those who want to see our local council appropriately mark what is a time of national mourning.
“Those who claim that Unionists have nothing to fear from being a tiny minority in a united Ireland and that their culture and identity would be respected have once again been reminded that when Nationalists have the majority there is precious little evidence of the respect they so loudly demand.
“At a time when the Union Flag is becoming much more visible in other parts of the UK it is revealing that councillors in Derry and Strabane and Mid Ulster cannot even find it in themselves to acknowledge the passing of His Royal Highness. This stands in stark contrast to the Duke’s efforts to build bridges.”