The national flag is owned by all of us and means so much to me – Heather Humphreys

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has today (Wednesday) proposed a new Presidential initiative promoting pride in our national flag, building on the successful ‘Flags for Schools’ programme she initiated a decade ago as part of the 2016 Centenary programme.

Heather was speaking in Cavan at her old school, St Aidan’s Comprehensive, a co-educational multi-denominational secondary school.

Heather said: “It is great to be back at St Aidan’s, a school whose ethos is very much reflected in our national flag. St Aidan’s is about bringing communities together, and that is what our flag represents.

“As a Presbyterian, and a proud Irish republican, I feel strongly that our flag symbolises the spirit of inclusion, and the aspiration for unity between people of different traditions on this island.

“Ten years ago, ahead of the Ireland 2016 Centenary programme, I started the ‘Flags for Schools’ initiative, whereby the Defence Forces brought a tricolour and the proclamation to every primary school in Ireland. I wanted to put the tricolour at the centre of those celebrations.

“We held a special day, led by President Higgins in Croke Park to which all secondary schools were invited to receive their flag. It was a huge success.

“Ten years later, I believe we should repeat and expand this for 2026, to mark 110 years from the Easter Rising. If elected President I will work with the Defence Forces and with Government to develop a Presidential initiative where the flag is brought to every school, but there is also discussion on the meaning and symbolism of the tricolour.

“I am determined to ensure that the next generation knows that the tricolour belongs to us all.”