Downing Street makes hasty edit after including Irish flag in Instagram post
Social media users were quick to point out the error.
The official Instagram page for 10 Downing Street has hastily edited a post about Northern Ireland, where it originally included the Irish tricolour emoji.
The post, which was about a Northern Irish event that happened in Downing Street on Sunday, November 19, read:
"Yesterday we celebrated the culture of Northern Ireland with a reception in Downing Street. Businesses from across Northern Ireland arrived to showcase some of the best produce the country has to offer."
However, the post quickly drew the attention of many on social media who spotted the Irish flag, which represents the Republic of Ireland and has no official status in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told the Daily Mail, "That was an error. It was quickly deleted."
Credit: 10 Downing Street on InstagramIrish flag blunder hastily corrected by Downing Street Instagram page
Speaking on the Nolan Show on BBC Radio, Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the post showed Westminster did not "understand us or know us", expressing that there should be a return to power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
"We are better served with devolved government," he said. "There are people out there who want to hand all the devolved power we have back to Westminster and here is what Westminster is doing."
"They don't understand Northern Ireland."
Users also expressed their dismay at the post, with one commenting: "Literally the government of the country, not knowing the flag of the country. You couldn’t make it up."
The post has since been edited, with the Irish tricolour deleted.
Related articles:
- "I want to do my country proud" - Ryan Tubridy on his ambitions for London move
- An emotional Patrick Kielty has one message for those tuning into next week's Toy Show
- This is how much Ryan Tubridy could be earning a year in new UK radio job
- Number of paid sick leave days will increase from January 2024
