Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA has written to the leaders of the DUP, Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance to express his concern that the work of the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition Commission is being undermined.
Robin Swann MLA said:
“I have written to the leaders of the four other parties who sit on the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition Commission (FICT), to express my concern that its work is being systematically undermined.
“The Commission was formed with the intention of lifting culture and identity out of politics. However, it seems that one party has been running a parallel track, most clearly evidenced when the issue of licensing bonfires was brought before Mid-Ulster Council last week.
“I have made it clear to the other party leaders that if such political expediency continues then I cannot guarantee the Ulster Unionist Party’s continued participation in the Commission as its work will end up totally undermined.”