Loyalist representatives in Derry have said Ulster Defence Union flags which have appeared in a number of areas across the city in recent weeks are not paramilitary flags.
David Malcolm, of the UDA-linked Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), rejected comments made by Foyle DUP MLA William Hay linking the flags to a paramilitary group. Mr Hay said: “The unionist community see these flags as something that’s very clos
ely linked to a loyalist paramilitary organisation and it’s something they cannot support.”
Mr Malcolm denied claims that the flag is a paramilitary emblem and said the current Ulster Defence Union (UDU) emerged in the UDA’s Remberance Day statement in 2007.
"The Ulster Defence Association will remain the parent organisation but will establish an umbrella organisation titled the Ulster Defence Union to facilitate the retirement of members and the needs that will affect them,” the statement said.
The UPRG man also dismissed Mr Hay’s claim that local communities are opposed to the flags.
“I would certainly like to know what complaints he has received from loyalist communities, because I have not received a single complaint. In fact, many people in loyalist communities have expressed their support to me for the new Ulster Defence Union Flag and have used the terms ‘nostalgic’ and ‘historical’. They are non threatening and serve to remind loyalists of past struggles and the current struggles their communities face in today’s climate,” he said.
Mr Malcolm also suggested the DUP MLA should contact his party leader who recently met the UDA to discuss the matter.
“If Willie Hay has a problem with UDU flags, they I suggest he speak to his superiors in Belfast who are in direct contact with the leadership of the UDA to discuss the issue,” he said.
