Flags and emblems

Sir, – I read with interest the many worthy ideas presented concerning a flag for a new Ireland in The Irish Times (Letters, January 23rd).

This debate is by no means unique. Cyprus and Kosovo, for example, have also grappled with contested identities. In both instances, the result was a flag denoting compromise: a map outline of the country in question in yellow, set on a plain background (white in the case of Cyprus; blue for Kosovo), with some minor additions that could offend neither side.

It seems as though, as it becomes plain that all existing flags will be seen by one community or the other as representing either the “green” or “orange” traditions, proposals will be made for a new flag for a new Ireland. However, the creation of some generic proposal following the aforementioned examples should be rejected. While symbols like the harp have been used by both sides, and are worthy in that sense, I believe that Ireland’s ancient history could serve as a worthy starting point. The Ogham stones contain intricate and beautiful designs that pre-date Strongbow’s arrival by at least 700 years. While they are chiefly indigenous to Ireland – north and south – a limited number of examples have also been found in England, Wales and Scotland. It is thus difficult to see how they can be associated with an exclusionary vision of Ireland.

However, Ogham stones contain a unique design language that has been incorporated, along with other ancient Irish designs such as those found on gold artefacts like those in the Broighter hoard, into a number of logos and banners, including, for example, the Boyne Rivers Trust, the Heritage Council, and the Law Reform Commission. I imagine that there are many fine artists on the island who could employ these symbols to craft a flag that would acknowledge Ireland’s unique history without sowing division. – Yours, etc,