Belfast Council has voted to stop the flying of the Union Flag at City Hall to mark Prince Andrew’s birthday - without DUP support.
SDLP Councillor Dónal Lyons, who made the proposal not to fly the flag, said the DUP “seems adamant on pushing council to recognise this man”.
The proposal passed at the monthly meeting of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on Friday (January 21) by 12 votes to 6. The SDLP, Alliance and Sinn Féin voted in favour of Councillor Lyons’ proposal, while six DUP councillors voted against. The decision will be ratified at full council on February 1, where it is expected to pass.