Commenting on the failure by Ballymena Courthouse to fly the Union Flag on a designated day (6th February), TUV Leader Jim Allister QC MLA stated:

“It was both shameful and inexcusable that Ballymena Court House was not flying the Union flag today to mark the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This is supposed to be one of the designated day. Considering the on-going furore over the flag issue I was astounded that this could have been allowed to happen. It certainly raises questions over not only the policy but the inability even to implement one so basic.

“On contacting the Courts and Tribunal Service they confirmed that the flag should have been raised and that it was "regrettable". However, no credible explanation has been forthcoming. It appears the day to day management of the designated day policy is in the hands of an external contractor, namely G4S. It is imperative that the Courts and Tribunal Service do not wash their hands of this issue, but ensure the flying of the national flag on every court house in Northern Ireland.”