Whatever the outcome on the interim ruling (due shortly), unionism took a stand today. They may have (unlawfully) hoisted the terrorist flag of Palestine, unionism has fought them all day in court, and hoisted the flag of Israel. And it’s very clear that there is a serious

NEW: Minister Lyons joins the legal case, supporting the applicant. Says Belfast City Council acting unlawfully.

Palestine flag causing division over situation Belfast can’t influence #TUV #RonMcDowell

Very interesting post from Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance Party MP for Lagan Valley. She SAVAGES her own party colleagues on Belfast City Council for going back and forth on flying the ‘Palestine’ flag from Belfast city hall. Alliance don’t know where they stand - division rampant!

NEW: All parties accept “serious issues to be tried” in BCC case. Humphreys J says it’s clear there is a need for judicial clarity. Minister Lyons appears via counsel & endorses applicant’s legal interpretation. Judgment on whether flag comes down at 3:30, but widely now agreed

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“The DUP said their confidence in legal advice coming from the council’s City Solicitor was “severely damaged” and Belfast Council was now based on “majoritarian” rule.”

Legal action over an Irish language strategy for Belfast has widened into a “systemic” challenge against the process for reconsidering key decisions taken by local governments across Northern Ireland, the High Court has heard. https://t.co/rRmMkwkedA

The pan-Republican front sneaked around in the dead of night, trying to outrun any court proceedings, to hoist the terrorist flag of Palestine. The reputation of Belfast City Council is in tatters, regardless of your views.

If you're forced to wait until the dead of night to fly it while legal proceedings are ongoing, it really shows how desperate you are, how desperate your 'cause' is, and, frankly, an element of cowardice.

Seamas having an absolute nightmare on Nolan, struggling to explain any reason why council frantically rushed to hoist a flag - for the first time ever- at midnight, whilst on notice of legal action.

I would compare Belfast City Council to a student council, but at this point I think that would be an insult to student councils.

There is some confusion, so just to clear up. This morning’s emergency application is for INTERIM relief. It won’t actually determine the legality of Councils behaviour; court is being asked to restrain them from their ongoing illegality pending final determination. It is an

Absolutely right Seamas. We are going to grind Local Government to a halt. And you, and your pan-Republican allies, are entirely to blame.

GMU asks SDLP the salient question: “if you are confident in your legal position, why rush to raise a flag at midnight rather than awaiting for the court outcome? What would the difference be between Tuesday and Wednesday?” The non-answer tells you all you need to know.

We see in Belfast City Hall how the dominance of the Nationalist/Republican alliance works out. These are the same people who tell us Unionists would be respected in their fantasy united Ireland. We see you, we hear you, and we aren’t fooled by your sugar coated words.

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥- 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 👇 Last night there were a series of outrageous abuses, facilitated and in fact driven by the City solicitor

SF, SDLP, PBP and Greens have threw an imaginary grenade into @belfastcc chamber. Alliance handed it to them. They knew this stunt would have massive ramifications but they don’t care. Real council work can wait when there is a chance to cause division. Shameful.

Great work as always from the usual suspects on Belfast City Council, who have went all out in their efforts to divide the people of Belfast. Does anyone think they will take responsibility if this spills over into public disorder?

Final Update: I understand consideration is being given by SOME unionist councillors to call an emergency meeting after tomorrow's court proceedings. This is to table no-confidence motions against some council officials. Follow our coverage in the morning on @BelTel

Chaos in Belfast. City Hall now under armed guard. Those responsible for the unlawful abuse of process which took place tonight bear full and sole responsibility. This is what they have created, in the mouth of Christmas.