MANNIN/ISLE OF MAN: FLAG WARS EU FLAG REMOVED FROM MANX GOVT. FLAGPOLE

The flying of a European Union Flag on a Government flagpole at a main sea port on the Isle of Man has been ended.

The Isle of Man Department of Transport had been flying a series of flags (Manx, Irish and Union) including the EU flag purportedly to welcome visitors to the Island at the Sea Terminal building, Douglas Harbour.

However the flying of the EU flag was to be the subject of a question at the next sitting of the House of Keys from Keys member, Quentin Gill, who pointed out the Isle of Man is not (and never has been part of the EU).

Apparently, DOT Chiefs bowing to pressure have removed the offending item and the Manx flag now flies, flanked by the flags of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The significance of flying the UK and Irish flags could also be questioned but at least there is now some sort of geographic symmetry!

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

24/04/09