14.7.04
Derry Journal
** Another PISS-NI story
Police 'Used Spade' To Remove Tricolour
Tuesday 13th July 2004
PSNI officers have been accused of using a spade to "batter down" a Tricolour from a lamppost in Castlederg.
A PSNI spokesman confirmed that officers removed the Irish flag yesterday morning in advance of a Twelfth of July parade being held in the town. "A flag was removed at about 7.30 a.m. as police believed its presence could antagonise marchers and bandsmen," the spokesman said.
However, the PSNI's decision to remove the Tricolour from a lamppost in the the Ferguson Crescent area has incensed local nationalists.
Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie McHugh claimed the incident had "reinforced the view among local nationalists that this force is no different from the RUC."
He said: "Local nationalists were angered to witness PSNI members on top of a jeep armed with a spade and battering down this Tricolour at 7.30 this morning.
"Castlederg is festooned with Union Jacks, Ulster Flags and the spectre of the PSNI taking unilateral action against a singular Tricolour in the predominantly nationalist end of the town has reinforced the view among local nationalists that this force is no different from the RUC."
Colr. McHugh publicly appealed to young nationalists in the area "not to be provoked by the PSNI's actions."
He added: "It is highly likely that this is their motivation in removing the Tricolour."
** Another PISS-NI story
Police 'Used Spade' To Remove Tricolour
Tuesday 13th July 2004
PSNI officers have been accused of using a spade to "batter down" a Tricolour from a lamppost in Castlederg.
A PSNI spokesman confirmed that officers removed the Irish flag yesterday morning in advance of a Twelfth of July parade being held in the town. "A flag was removed at about 7.30 a.m. as police believed its presence could antagonise marchers and bandsmen," the spokesman said.
However, the PSNI's decision to remove the Tricolour from a lamppost in the the Ferguson Crescent area has incensed local nationalists.
Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie McHugh claimed the incident had "reinforced the view among local nationalists that this force is no different from the RUC."
He said: "Local nationalists were angered to witness PSNI members on top of a jeep armed with a spade and battering down this Tricolour at 7.30 this morning.
"Castlederg is festooned with Union Jacks, Ulster Flags and the spectre of the PSNI taking unilateral action against a singular Tricolour in the predominantly nationalist end of the town has reinforced the view among local nationalists that this force is no different from the RUC."
Colr. McHugh publicly appealed to young nationalists in the area "not to be provoked by the PSNI's actions."
He added: "It is highly likely that this is their motivation in removing the Tricolour."
