There is little new to say about nationalism and unionism at Belfast City Council regarding the row over a Palestinian flag.

Each bloc is acting to type, with no dissension. By contrast, Alliance’s behaviour is fascinating.

Having initially supported the flag, it moved to reject it, instead proposing that City Hall be lit in Palestinian colours.

Unionists proposed City Hall be illuminated in Israeli colours after the October 7 attack, but nationalists and Greens blocked it because they said the council should not take sides. They could be held to that or have their double standard exposed.

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It appears Alliance is remembering that finding middle ground is the purpose of its existence.

It is also rethinking its position on bilingual street signs. But the realisation comes too late, in Belfast at least.

As of the 2023 council elections, Alliance and unionists together no longer form a majority. The Greens hold the balance of power.

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All parties at Belfast City Council have reverted to type on the issue of loud busking and preaching in the city centre.

They had rejected a straightforward proposal from........

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