The Indo Daily: Pride or prejudice? How our national flag became a political landmine

"Lately, the sight of our national flag has become a common feature at anti-immigration protests and gatherings around the country, and, more recently, the Tricolor has started to appear on lampposts and poles across Dublin city centre. Some have suggested the Tricolour is being weaponised by far-right agitators as a symbol of intimidation, and that its proliferation in public spaces is leaving certain communities feel unwelcome."

"This week, Dublin City Council said it would hold meetings with An Garda Síochána over the use of the flag in public spaces. However, the flying-the-flag campaign isn't just being seen in Ireland. Across the UK a growing number of St George's and Union Jacks have been going up in cities, towns and villages in recent weeks in a campaign dubbed 'Operation Raise the Colours'."

The Tricolour is increasingly visible at anti-immigration protests and on lampposts across Dublin, prompting concerns that it is being weaponised by far-right agitators as a symbol of intimidation. Residents' groups have written to Dublin City Council requesting removal of flags from public spaces. Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn described the suggestion that the Tricolour represents anti-immigration sentiment as "disgraceful". Dublin City Council plans meetings with An Garda Síochána to address flag use. Similar flag-raising campaigns are occurring in the UK under 'Operation Raise the Colours', with St George's and Union Jacks appearing in many communities. The visible flags raise questions about interpretation, community impact, and rules governing national flag use.

Read at Irish Independent