Flag of Northern Ireland
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The only official flag for Northern Ireland is the Union Flag or Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom; there is no official local flag that represents only Northern Ireland.[1][2][3][4] The flying of various flags in Northern Ireland is a significant sectarian issue, with different communities identifying with different flags.[5]
It has been suggested that Northern Ireland flags issue be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since April 2024. |
The Ulster Banner was used by the Northern Irish government from 1953 until the government and parliament were abolished in 1973. Since then, it has had no official status.[6][7][8][9] However, it is still used as the flag of Northern Ireland by both loyalists and unionists[10][11] and to represent Northern Ireland internationally in some sporting competitions, like the Commonwealth Games.[12]
The Saint Patrick's Saltire represents Northern Ireland indirectly as Ireland in the Union Flag. It is sometimes flown during Saint Patrick's Day parades in Northern Ireland[13] and is used to represent Northern Ireland during some royal events.[14]
In recent years, there have been calls for a new, neutral flag for Northern Ireland,[15][16] most recently as a recommendation by the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition in December 2021.[17]