O’Neill and DUP leader speak out over NI Commonwealth Games ‘flag conversation’

First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said she regrets that the discussion of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games team has got “caught up in a flag conversation”.

Conal Heatley, chief executive of Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (CGNI), has said it is awaiting guidance from the Executive on which flag the team will compete under in the Glasgow 2026 Games.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said “there’s no need for change” from the team’s previously used flag of the Ulster Banner.

Mr Heatley told the BBC the Ulster Banner “does hold massive cultural significance, we recognise that, for a section of community, but it is not an inclusive emblem”.

In the absence of a flag the team will use the CGNI logo.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr Robinson said he is “not sure why this issue has arisen”.

“I’m not sure why there seems to be a quest to delve into a political row,” he said.

“I see members of our community, be they unionist, nationalist, of Protestant faith or Roman Catholic faith, all proudly standing by the Northern Ireland flag when they participate in games.

“So the injection of this unnecessary political request I don’t think is helpful.

“I’m not sure what the outcome is going to be either.

“But from our perspective there’s no need for change.”

Ms O’Neill said all sports should be inclusive and commended the association for “trying to actually get an agreed way forward”.

She told reporters at Stormont: “I believe there’s some suggestion on their part that perhaps to be inclusive and to reflect all of the membership of all those athletes that will go out and compete, that they’re suggesting perhaps using their own team logo.

“I mean I commend that approach if that’s the approach that they take, I think it’s much better coming organically from the organisation.

“Look, I think the organisation is trying to reflect all the athletes that compete for them at the games.

“We have so many good, talented athletes here, I regret the fact that we’re caught up in a flag conversation as opposed to celebrating the talent that we have.”