Following his meetings, he said, “Sinn Féin has carried out a number of meetings with local schools, the PSNI and senior council officials to address the grossly exaggerated hyping up of the flags issue on St Patrick’s Day in Downpatrick. “Firstly, it is important to make clear that St Patrick’s Day in Downpatrick is both a celebration of our Patron Saint and an expression of our Irishness. During this event, Sinn Féin representatives will be respectful and mindful of the sensitivities’relating to the display of flags. I would therefore encourage everyone, from all political, cultural and ethnic backgrounds to come along and enjoy what will be a wonderful occasion. “I am however disappointed at how political representatives, in conjunction with some sections of the print and broadcast media, have deliberately sensationalised this issue to further a narrow political agenda which is primarily about undermining Sinn Féin. In so doing, they have attempted to create a crisis by instilling fear in people. “It shows how much further we have to go as a society that a debate around the flying of the Irish National flag creates such mass hysteria. Indeed it is ironic that on the day we celebrate our patron saint, and when Irish people throughout the world take pride in their unique cultural identity, the display of the tri-colour causes such a complete overreaction. “Let us be clear about one thing. Issues relating to flags and emblems may be contentious but this does not mean they should not be debated. During the Loyalist marching season, Unionist flags and emblems are displayed for months on end in towns and villages and marched up and down streets with complete disregard for host communities and the offense caused.” The discussion continues. Sinn Féin is aggrieved at comments made by other parties and statements carried in the local press which they deem to be unfair. Down News offers the right of reply to any political party who wishes to respond to Councillor Coogan’s comments.]]>
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