Facebook page set up to discuss controversial Union flag issue

A controversial social media page, has been set up so locals have a platform to debate the ongoing issues surrounding the flying of the Union flag in Magherafelt town centre, the County Derry Post can reveal.

The Facebook page, which is called ‘Magherafelt Flag,’ was created earlier this month and has over 250 members.

Last year the Mid Ulster District Council voted that the Union flag, which has flown for over 70 years in the town centre, be removed as part of the £1.9 million Public Realm Scheme revamp.

Back in February, a group calling themselves ‘The British Truth Forum’ erected a Union flag in the centre of a roundabout in the Diamond area of the town. However it was removed by contractors employed by the council shortly after its erection.

In response to the council’s action, Union flags have since been erected on flag poles throughout the town centre as well as other towns and villages across Mid Ulster.

One user used the ‘Magherafelt Flag’ Facebook page as a platform to conduct a public poll asking if the flag and flag pole should be reinstated in the south Derry town. Out 109 people who participated in the poll, 69 voted in favour while 47 voted against reinstating the flag.

The Facebook page, which has sparked heated debates among members has received mixed reaction from both sides of the community.

One individual stated that the page was ‘doing more harm than good’ while another stated that the ‘sole purpose’ of the page was ‘sh*t stirring.’

However, the person responsible for creating the page has defended its existence.

In a post on the page, the Magherafelt man said: “I love this wee town and everyone in it, but I won’t shy away from something just because it’s controversial, there are two opposing views on this issue and hasn't the mantra here for the last 20 years been dialogue. Anyway I didn't make the page for myself, I made it for the great many that were commenting on the memories page so it could be kept free from politics.

He continued: “It’s more than obvious that many people on both sides had something to say, well now they have somewhere to say it. Don’t press join or don't accept if you don't like it, as for me well I'm all for free speech.”