NI first and deputy first ministers making progress on flags deal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22449281

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The Northern Ireland first and deputy first ministers have said they believe they are making progress on the issue of flying flags over government buildings.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said they were close to putting a mechanism in place to deal with the issue.

Finance minister Sammy Wilson has ordered the union flag to be flown at five more government buildings.

The move could cost up to £10,000.

Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness gave few details of their potential agreement on flags, but told reporters they hoped to be able to make a more detailed announcement in the near future.

They were speaking after opening a new £20m wind farm at Carn Hill in Newtownabbey.

The move by Mr Wilson will mean the union flag being flown on 18 designated days.

This is in line with other buildings, including Belfast City Hall.

Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the Alliance Party have all criticised Mr Wilson over the flags move.

A Department of Finance spokesperson said the move was allowed under existing regulations.