County Derry Councillor criticises DUP’s priorities: Flags won't put food on peoples' tables nor will they heat their homes

Sinn Féin Councillor Kathleen McGurk has expressed her frustration at the DUP's persistence to fly the Union Flag 365 days a year from council buildings.

The Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor for Benbradagh criticised the DUP's priorities.

"Bringing a motion regarding the flying of a flag, at a time when people are facing a cost-of-living crisis and are prevented from receiving financial help due to the DUP boycott of Stormont is an insult to workers and families

"It is regrettable that the DUP have persisted with railroading this policy through Council, this is in spite of findings from the Equality Impact Assessment that clearly state that this is a divisive issue that would negatively impact on large sections of the public, council staff, and community relations,” she said.

Cllr McGurk said Sinn Féin requested a full legal opinion on the matter.

“But despite this opportunity for Unionists to reconsider this damaging decision – this has not swayed the position of those who want to proceed with flag flying,” she said.