John Downing: Why we should respect all flags and the people they represent – ​​including Palestine

John Downing: Why we should respect all flags and the people they represent – ​​including Palestine

Micheál Martin responds as Ireland formally recognizes the state of Palestine

The late, great John Hume often said, “You can't eat a flag.” He would make this comment when talking about the need to respect differences – whether based on race, religion, gender or nationality. The difference, he insisted, was simply an accident of birth.

But flags are among a large number of symbols that are of great importance in the lives of many people.