The President of Ireland and former Labour TD, Michael D Higgins is embroiled in a bitter Twitter war after he ordered the Irish Tricolour to half mast at his Presidential residence Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the death of British Prince Philip on Saturday.
According to RT, President Higgins then tweeted;
The tricolour flying at half mast at Áras an Uachtaráin today, to mark the death of Britain’s Prince Philip. pic.twitter.com/wVWlQnSMes
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 17, 2021
His tweet and action of flying the Irish Nation flag at half mast for a member of the British royal family caused a major confrontation on Twitter from Irish people.
Many view the British royal family as hostile to Ireland both in the past and to the present day. In particular with regards to Northern Ireland, with many Irish Nationalists calling the presence of Britain in NI, an occupation by foreign forces.
Some tweets reflected this ongoing hostility between Britain and Ireland and the Irish Presidents insensitivity in flying the Irish nation flag at half mast;
“Should be flown higher in celebration.”
https://t.co/TvOLQXjHa9
— Darragh?? (@LaochNaGaelach) April 17, 2021
“Why are we showing respect to a man who was part of an establishment that has thrived off of colonialism and racism, and couldn’t care less about Ireland? Is diplomacy more important than self-respect?”
https://t.co/8ZhRTs9o0E
— Cillian (@LFC_Cillian) April 17, 2021
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