Mid Ulster councillor condemns theft of Union flag from his home

DUP Councillor James Shiels has branded those who stole a union flag and damaged property at his Upperlands home as ‘cowards.’ Councillor Shiels (pictured) said: “This is nothing more than an attempt at sectarian intimidation, carried out by a group of cowards under the cover of darkness. So weak is their confidence in their own heritage and culture, and so strong is their hatred of mine that they couldn't even bear to see the Union flag flying without ripping it down.

“This is of course the latest in a spate of hate crimes across our area, where Orange halls have seen attacks and flags have been torn down. There can be no doubt that these deliberate actions are sectarian and are being carried out in hopes of intimidating local loyalists.

“The plethora of Republican flags in the Maghera area, erected in the run up to the marching season which now hang faded and tattered in disgrace, and the graffiti on road signage which seeks to remove the 'London' from Londonderry also seek to intimidate the minority unionist community of this area. “It is time they grew up, realised the unionist people are going nowhere, and started working to make this a better society for all,” said the Mid Ulster councillor.

Mr Shields has reported the matter to the police.