A campaign to change the flag representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games is “ill-advised” and should be scrapped, a Stormont minister has said.
DUP Social Development Minister Gordon Lyons, who has responsibility for sporting issues, said he had not been consulted about the proposal reportedly set to be considered by Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (CWGNI) to replace the Ulster Banner flag amid concerns it is not representative of the whole community in the region.
Mr Lyons’ party colleague Diane Forsythe asked him about the issue during Assembly question time on Tuesday.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (Liam McBurney/PA)
South Down MLA Ms Forsythe asked the minister if he agreed that the Ulster Banner did represent everyone in Northern Ireland.
“Well, it will not surprise the member to hear I agree with what she has said,” he replied.
“I have to say, I believe that the campaign we are currently hearing about is ill-advised at best.
“I was concerned to learn about the discussion and consideration of changing the flag. As we have seen at the Olympics, our athletes have always kept their focus on sport and were able to represent Northern Ireland and politics wasn’t made anything of.
“Unfortunately, I think politics has been dragged into this now. This was something I’ve not been consulted on.
“If I had been consulted, I would have made it very clear that I do not think that we should be upsetting the status quo on this, that we have had athletes that have been very happy to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
“They should continue to be allowed to do so. And I think that it’s best for everyone involved this if this was just to be put to bed.”