The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) is unhappy about the All-Ireland Fleadh taking place in Belfast this week for the first time. The party has questioned the cost and disruption of the event and complained about Tricolours being sold by a privately run Post Office branch in the city centre.

But this has not proved typical of unionist opinion. The Fleadh has the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) at Belfast City Council, the principal host. Emma Little-Pengelly, the DUP Deputy First Minister, addressed the opening ceremony with the words “the Fleadh belongs to all of us who call this place home”. UUP leader Jon Burrows has attended events.

Music and dance associated with the unionist community have been integrated into the festival programme, including participation by loyalist marching bands.

A Fleadh fringe is being held in Bangor, the largest town in Northern Ireland with no nationalist elected representatives. Unionist councillors did oppose this for clashing with the Ulster Pipe Band championship, but reversed course when the bands said they had no objection.

Paul Galvin: ‘I think it will be a tough winter in Kerry’

Daniel Kinahan expected to be extradited to Ireland within days

Family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra file wrongful death proceedings in US

Glen........

© The Irish Times