A Norn Iron bloggee has contributed the following:
"Sectarianism and bigotry, while part of life in Norn Ireland, can also provide much unintended mirth. You will be aware that wall paintings and murals give a good indication of where you might find yourself in this divided city/country and very useful they can be.
In the bonfire season, any available wall is used to provide directions and advice to the unwary traveller, for example, "***** **** Off" generally hits the spot. **
In North Belfast there is a Loyalist enclave named Tigers Bay. Picture the scene. Several large, beery, shaven headed, tattooed men sporting chunky gold necklaces and bracelets (a uniform of sorts) gathered around a newly painted sign "Welcome to Loyalist Tiggers Bay". Bless!
One wonders whether Christopher Robin, Eyeore and Piglet have taken refuge in Pooh's safe house on the corner.
The sign was later painted out by a more literate devotee."
Thankyou Mr B.
Some one wrote a book about the Lebanon entitled 'Tribes with Flags' This could be an apt description of Ulster-or at least 6 out of the 9 counties of that ancient province. The southern part of the pretty village of Dundrum is festooned with Union Jacks, crosses of St George, Loyalist style with the Red Hand of Ulster in the middle of the cross-and a recent addition this -a wee union jack in the left hand top corner- a sort of belt and braces security blanket. And amongst this great loyalist bunting sags the odd Orange flag of the local Loyal Orange Lodge. The other tradition content themselves with decorating the nationalist areas with the Irish tricolor indicating the aspiration for a united Ireland-the colours of the Tricolor will also be used for the pavement verges sometimes almost merging into the red, white and blue flagstones favoured bythe other lot. Not so common nowadays, is the old slogan: 'Ulster Says No! 'or brought up to date-'Ulster Still says no' Most people have seemingly forgotten the question.
** Fill in the *s for a small prize Blog. ed. But keep it clean
