DUP continue to spread misinformation – Lyttle

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said that the DUP are continuing to spread misinformation about flags in order to increase tensions. His comments follow an incorrect claim by the DUP’s Jonathan Bell on the Stephen Nolan radio show, that people in Housing Executive properties would not be able to display a flag from their property under our proposals.

This is not true as our shared future document, For Everyone states that: ‘We recognise that people are entitled to display any legal symbol from their own residences, whether that is owned, or privately or publically rented’.

Chris Lyttle MLA said: “We all saw the misinformation campaign that the DUP ran in the weeks before the vote on the Union Flag vote in Belfast City Council with the publication of 40,000 copies of their inflammatory leaflet.

“This led to an increase in tensions, which we have all seen the consequences of in the past two months. However, the DUP do not appear to have learnt their lesson with a further irresponsible claim on a radio show.

“The Alliance Party recognises the right of everybody to display any legal symbol from their own residences, whether that is owned, or privately or publically rented. Perhaps Mr Bell should read our document in closer detail before he makes another incorrect accusation.

“My ambition is to see a shared society, free of division. If the DUP’s only goal is to spread misinformation about flags then serious questions must be asked if they share my ambitions.”