An east Belfast councillor has strongly condemned the hypocrisy displayed by figures criticizing the Irish-language rap group Kneecap while simultaneously endorsing the display of paramilitary flags in Northern Ireland. As the summer marching season nears, mounting calls from officials, including Belfast’s Lord Mayor Micky Murray, have emerged to end the annual practice of flying flags that celebrate groups deemed illegal under UK law—a practice that should have been unthinkable in a democratic society.

Councillor Brian Smyth, representing the Green Party, voiced the frustrations of many residents who see a blatant double standard in the political discourse. He stated, “For many, it’s clear there’s a hypocrisy when a member of Kneecap faces charges for supporting terrorism while paramilitary flags fly freely.” His remarks were triggered by the recent allegation against Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance in London. The band asserts that their political expression is consistently distorted, declaring, “We condemn all attacks on civilians” and denying any allegiance to Hezbollah or Hamas.

The controversy surrounding Kneecap has reignited concerns regarding the proliferation of flags in certain locales, particularly those linked to loyalist paramilitary organizations like the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Smyth lamented that in 2025, it remains entirely acceptable for these flags to dangle from lampposts, highlighting a broader failure of governance that has persisted for too long. “Both the Department for Infrastructure and the PSNI are dismissing this as a legislative issue,” he said, encapsulating a grim sense of stagnation felt in many local communities witnessing illegal acts unfold around them with no decisive action from authorities.

Lord Mayor Micky Murray, aligning himself with those concerned about the scrutiny of paramilitary flags, described them as a form of “littering” increasingly intolerable to residents. While cultural celebrations are valuable, he insisted there’s a critical distinction between honouring heritage and glorifying paramilitary groups. The Alliance Party, of which he is a member, is promoting new legislation aimed at regulating the display of flags and emblems—a welcome move to enforce a code of conduct for public spaces and curb inappropriate expressions of division.

In stark contrast to the ongoing debates about flag displays, Kneecap continues to navigate challenges stemming from their provocative performances. The group has faced backlash for their lyrics, with concert cancellations emerging in response to political pressure. The legal troubles surrounding Ó hAnnaidh have further amplified scrutiny on Kneecap, which argues they are being unfairly targeted due to their political outspokenness. As they gear up for performances at events like the Glastonbury Festival, they interpret these legal challenges as an attempt to suppress artistic expression.

Community leaders are increasingly vocal about the urgent need for effective action. Recent comments from SDLP councillor Donal Lyons have raised alarm regarding the anxiety flags linked to paramilitary groups create for local shoppers, stating, “These flags instill a chill factor.” Surveys reveal a widespread desire among the public—across both unionist and nationalist communities—to see such emblems eradicated from their neighbourhoods. However, the persistent absence of accountability regarding who should enforce the removal of these flags only deepens a sense of lawlessness, allowing them to proliferate without consequence.

As Northern Ireland grapples with the burden of its contentious past, the discussions surrounding Kneecap and the flags that represent discord serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more robust governance framework. The current political climate offers an opportunity for aspiring leaders to take a stand against this hypocrisy and advocate for the interests of the communities they serve, ensuring that the progression toward genuine reconciliation does not continue to lag under the weight of nostalgic divisions.

Source: Noah Wire Services