Complaints about the flying of the Union Flag

Republican Sinn Féin Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh said on August 8 that the flying of the British flag in towns throughout the 26-Counties could be a sign of things to come, in light of recent French comments about shared Commissioners within the EU.   He said: "We have received a number of complaints about the flying of the Union flag throughout the 26-Counties on the event of the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing. Although we have no problem with the flying of the flags of other countries, we do not currently enjoy friendly relations with Britain as they continue to occupy part of our country. Consequently the flying of the flag of a hostile state is a deeply offensive act.   "Incidentally, it could be asked of M. Sarkozy whether this is a sign of things to come, as he appears to suggest that all of Ireland should be represented by the 'Butcher's Apron'. We have long suffered under British subjugation, and certainly do not need to be subjected to increased control from both London and Brussels simultaneously," he said.   A European-wide competition caused controversy in Donegal on August 8 as Letterkenny residents objected to the flying of the British flag in the town. Organisers erected the flags from all European countries, including Britain's Union Jack, as part of the celebrations for the European Entente Florale Competition.