Anger after attempt to set fire to Union Jack flag in Fivemiletown - 'No justification'

A NUMBER of unionist councillors and MLAs have condemned the attempted burning of a Union Jack flag in Fivemiletown on Sunday, November 1.

Representatives have called for witnesses to come forward to the PSNI.

DUP councillor for Clogher Valley, Mark Robinson, issued a statement expressing his disappointment towards the incident: “I am deeply disappointed and angered by an attempt to set fire to the Union flag that flies in Fivemiletown.

“This is now the second such attack on a Union flag in the Clogher Valley that I am aware of, and it is deeply concerning.

“The so-called ‘First Minister for all’ must reflect on the tone of the political rhetoric she uses about our British identity. Inflammatory language and the stirring up of tensions do nothing to encourage respect or peaceful co-existence within our community.

“People are entitled to their own political views and identities, but that does not give anyone the right to attack or destroy our national flag that is valued by many in the Clogher Valley.

“There is absolutely no justification for this behaviour, and I would encourage anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

Diana Armstrong, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, has also addressed the incident.

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the reported attempt to set fire to the union flag in Fivemiletown last night (Sunday), particularly as I understand this is the second incident of this kind,” she told the Courier.

Ms Armstrong was at the Royal British Legion in Fivemiletown on Saturday night, October 31 and stated to see this incident occur so soon after was “deeply upsetting”.

She continued: “Whatever someone’s politics or identity, nobody has the right to damage property or show contempt for symbols that mean so much to others. Respect doesn’t depend on agreement. Fivemiletown belongs to all who live here, and we should be building up our community, not adding division.”