Ministers comply with flags order

The issue of flag flying has sparked controversy

Sinn Fein ministers complied with regulations which meant the Union Flag was flown on their offices to mark the birthday of the Prince of Wales.

Sinn Fein ministers Bairbre de Brun and Martin McGuinness had refused to fly the Union Flag on buildings occupied by their departments on designated days in the past.

The flag flew over government buildings on Remembrance Sunday, the first time it was flown under the regulations introduced by Secretary of State Peter Mandelson.

Sinn Fein was granted leave last week to seek a judicial review of the order to fly the flag on 17 designated days throughout the year on certain public buildings.

The health and education ministers complied with the order pending the outcome of the legal challenge.

Mr McGuinness is in the United States at present while Ms de Brun is participating in a debate at Assembly buildings in Stormont.

While the parliament building is not one of the designated buildings, the Assembly Commission has decided that the Union Flag should be flown.