Frampton Weighs In as Northern Ireland Flag Debate Resurfaces Ahead of Commonwealth Games
The ongoing debate over representation and inclusivity in Northern Ireland has flared up again, this time centered on the flag that will fly for Team Northern Ireland at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Former boxing champion Carl Frampton has publicly addressed his own complex relationship with national identity and the symbolism of flags, adding a prominent voice to the discussion.
The controversy began earlier this week when Commonwealth Games NI (CGNI) initially proposed replacing the Ulster Banner – a flag with deep historical roots in the region – with its own corporate logo, citing a desire to be more inclusive. However, following criticism from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who oversees sporting matters, CGNI reversed its decision and confirmed the Ulster Banner will remain the official symbol.
Frampton, who grew up in the predominantly unionist Tiger’s Bay area of north Belfast, revealed he was “very, very proud” to represent Ireland as an amateur boxer, a path dictated by the all-island administration of the sport. “And on my [clothing] there was a tricolour and when I won medals, the flag that I stood under was the tricolour,” he told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program. He also noted his pride in standing for the Soldier’s Song, the Irish national anthem, despite his unionist upbringing.
The boxer acknowledged he never questioned the use of the tricolour – the official flag of the Republic of Ireland – during his amateur career, stating that asking for a different flag “wouldn’t make sense.” However, he expressed a degree of regret at not having the opportunity to compete under the Ulster Banner professionally. “I never had the chance to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games,” he said, adding that he “did want to represent them and I would have been proud to fight under the Ulster Banner.”
Frampton’s comments come as the CGNI’s initial attempt to move away from the Ulster Banner sparked a wider political discussion. First Minister Michelle O’Neill publicly supported a change, describing it as “a fine way forward,” but expressed disappointment at the CGNI’s reversal on Wednesday. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports, stating that “all sports should be inclusive” and hoping the conversation would continue.
The Ulster Banner, which served as the flag of the government of Northern Ireland from 1953 until its abolition in 1973, remains a sensitive symbol. According to CGNI chief executive Conal Heatley, the flag “holds cultural significance for a large section of one side of community” while others “don’t feel the same.”
Assembly member Justin McNulty, from the SDLP, criticized Lyons’ intervention, arguing it did not reflect the views of the entire Stormont executive. He described the Ulster Banner as “a polarising flag” and called for a “grown-up discussion” to find a compromise that represents all communities. A visual representation of public opinion on the Ulster Banner could be included here.
Frampton, identifying as “Northern Irish, Irish, and British,” offered a nuanced perspective. While he would agree to compete under a neutral flag if still active, he admitted he would be “a little bit disappointed” as the Ulster Banner is the flag he feels most closely represents him. He emphasized his primary identification as someone “from Northern Ireland.”
The debate underscores the ongoing complexities of identity and representation in a region still navigating its post-conflict future. While the Ulster Banner will fly at the Commonwealth Games this year, the conversation surrounding its symbolism – and the search for a flag that truly represents all of Northern Ireland – is far from over.
