The English town of Preston is considering flying the Irish Tricolour over the town hall next year to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Preston has a large Irish population following several waves of emigration dating back to the 19th century.
Many Irish residents have requested that the council fly the flag to commemorate the Rising.
The council, who have often flown flags of other nations in the past, are said to be considering granting the request.
Flying the Irish flag would be a significant move as it would be a respectful gesture towards Ireland and continue the recent good relations between the two neighbouring countries.
However, not everyone sees it that way. A British Army veteran wrote to a local Labour politician saying: “To raise the Irish Tricolour in support of the Easter Rising? I find also hard to stomach in support of an uprising against your own people?” the veteran said.
“As far as I’m aware Jamaica has never done anything wrong to Britain unlike the Easter uprising (sic) which in effect started off the IRA who proceeded to murder over 3,000 British soldiers and innocent men, women and children. It appears to me that your local council supports anything and anyone which goes against British values.”
Labour councillor Robert Boswell is quoted in the Irish Times. “We fly the rainbow flag for gay pride week and an armed forces flag to celebrate armed forces day. These flags replaced the Union Jack on the top of the town hall. Were they all acts of treason?”
Preston council have also flown the Jamaican flag to commemorate the Caribbean country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Last year they flew a Palestinian flag, although it was taken down amid protests that the flag may stir racial tensions.
