In response to the Ards and North Down Alliance Party councillors having a call-in vote on flying Union flags on war memorials, North Down Ulster Unionist Party candidate Tim Collins said:

“The flag should fly proudly over the memorials across the Borough which recognise and give thanks to all of those who have given their lives in the service of their country.

“I have stood beside enough flag-draped coffins to know how important it is for veterans and their families, friends and colleagues. The Union flag represents those remembered on the monuments of all faiths.

“I call on the current Alliance Member of Parliament to intervene and have his Alliance colleagues reverse this offensive call which does nothing but undermine the recognition our war heroes deserve.”