Allister Calls for Removal of IRA Flags in Rasharkin
25 April 2012
TUV leader and North Antrim MLA Jim Allister has called for the removal of IRA and INLA flags in Rasharkin.
It is believed that the flags of the INLA and Youth IRA were erected along Main Street on Tuesday night and were erected in order to intimidate local residents in advance of the marching season.
Commenting on the latest attempt to terrorise the community Jim Allister stated:
“I have investigated complaints from a number of Rasharkin residents and can I confirm that both the ‘Starry Plough’ flag and the ‘Sunburst’ flags erected on a lamppost along Main Street on 24th April.
I understand that the ‘Starry Plough’ flag has been adopted by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) and that the ‘Sunburst’ flag represents the youth wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Both organisations represented are described as proscribed terrorist groups in the UK and are an affront to the law abiding citizens of Rasharkin.
These flags have been clearly erected to increase sectarian tensions in advance of the marching season and to intimidate both Nationalist and Unionist residents who would oppose the sectarian agenda of those intent on the ghettoization of the village.
I have reported the matter to the PSNI and requested that the offensive flags be removed without delay to prevent the further deterioration of community relations within Rasharkin village.”
