The South Belfast MLA stated: “The display of any national flag for the purpose of marking territory is disrespectful to both those living in the local community and to the flag itself.
“As was made clear by the work of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, this demonstrates that the status quo, based on unenforceable protocols and a failure by authorities to take concrete action against intimidation of this kind, is untenable.
“It is for this reason that I will shortly be bringing legislation to the Assembly to enable and oblige the relevant authorities to remove flags and emblems which are displayed disrespectfully or antagonistically.”