A growing grassroots movement, #OurFlag, is working to reclaim the national flag from what many see as a troubling misuse by anti-immigrant groups. The #OurFlag campaign has emerged as a community-driven response to the increasing number of Irish tricolours being erected in public spaces by individuals and groups whose intentions are far from patriotic. Instead, these displays are often viewed as efforts to intimidate migrants, racial minorities, and other vulnerable communities.

This trend, sometimes referred to as the “tricolour trap”, mirrors tactics used by white nationalist groups in Britain, who have adopted national flags as markers of territory and exclusion.

In Ireland, such actions have prompted widespread concern and sparked a national conversation about the meaning of the Irish tricolour and how best to safeguard its symbolism. For many, the Irish flag represents peace, unity, and hope; its appropriation for divisive or hateful messages is seen not only as a distortion of history but as a threat to social cohesion.

In response, the #OurFlag campaign encourages people across the country to reclaim the tricolour as a symbol of love, pride, and inclusion. Organisers are urging communities to make the flag visible in positive contexts, through inclusive local events, creative initiatives, and public demonstrations of welcome and solidarity. The goal is to counter intimidation with affirmation and to ensure the flag remains a unifying rather than polarising presence.

 

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The campaign has garnered support from a broad coalition of organisations, including the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), Black and Irish, the Irish Refugee Council (IRC), Hope & Courage, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), United Against Hate, Open Doors, Nasc, LGBT Ireland, Linq Ireland, WeMakeGood, and Insight Matters, among others. With at least 15 core organisations and over 50 high-profile influencers committed to amplifying the message, the momentum behind the campaign continues to grow.

 

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National political leaders, including the Taoiseach, have publicly acknowledged the issue, stressing the importance of preventing far-right groups from dictating the narrative around Ireland’s national symbols. As the #OurFlag movement expands, it seeks not only to protect the tricolour’s legacy but to strengthen community leadership, promote activism, and reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to equality and inclusion.