‘Cool heads’ call as dissident republicans erect more flags at interface

The interface area had been largely free from flags over the marching season in recent years, but appeared again on lamp posts over last weekend.

Some appeared to have been taken down the following night. On Monday morning, flags relating to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement were missing, though a number of tricolours were still flying close to the interface with Irish Street. However more republican flags were erected by today (Friday). In a 2008 survey, 76% of residents of the area said they did not support the flying of flags in Gobnascale.

Speaking to the Sentinel, William Hay has appealed to both sections of the community in the Gobnascale/ Irish Street areas to find a “community based solution” to the issue.

Mr Hay praised the work that has already been done on the issue surrounding community relations in the area but stressed the need for more work to be done.

“Great work has already been done on the ground in the two areas to resolve issues like,” Mr Hay said. “

“I have always said that a community based solution to problems has to be found and I would appeal to everybody that cooler heads will prevail because of the good work that has already been done.”

With the run up to the Twelfth celebrations under way, Mr Hay stressed that a balancing act had to be found in order to prevent potential incidents from escalating.

“It’s all about getting the balance right, that is why when flags go up in July for the twelfth they will be hopefully taken down by the end of August.

“So again I would appeal that the marching season goes well and without any incident.” Mr Hay said.