Call for republican symbols to ‘take their place’ at Stormont

Republican symbols must take their place alongside Stormont’s unionist trappings if the assembly is ever to be a truly inclusive environment, Sinn Fein insisted yesterday.

The party made the call in the wake of the publication of an inventory of symbols and emblems housed at Parliament Buildings.

Of the 93 items displayed or in storage, around a third could be considered as being associated with a unionist/British/royal tradition.

There are no distinctly republican symbols or emblems.

West Tyrone assembly member Barry McElduff, who had asked for the inventory, said Sinn Fein did not want to see any unionist symbols removed – just for his tradition to get its place as well.

“Sinn Fein are not interested in ripping down unionists symbols or tearing down the statue of Carson. We want to create an environment which reflects the nature of the assembly and our society in the 21st century,” he said.

“This means that we need to bring in more symbols that reflect the nationalist and republican traditions, as well as other items from different cultural backgrounds.

“The assembly building should not reflect an image of domination of one culture by another.”

Mr McElduff said the Equality Commission should be consulted to help create a more balanced portrayal of the political reality at Stormont.

“We need to create a more inclusive environment at Stormont for staff, elected members and the public,” he said.

“The institutions are about power-sharing and the equal recognition of all traditions.

“Yet this inventory of the symbols and emblems on display or in storage in the Stormont assembly estate highlights the need for an equality shake-up.

“Clearly there is not enough – particularly of the ‘grand’ nature – symbolism to reflect either the range of traditions that exists side by side on this island or indeed the new relationships and political dispensation.

“I believe that we should take advice from the Equality Commission, who have experience of dealing with these issues at local government.

“I also believe there is scope for a sub-committee or ad-hoc committee to look at how we make progress.”

The MLA said it was also important to examine the issue of flying the Union flag at Parliament Buildings.