An Easter Rising anniversary row erupted last night after unionists slammed republican flag displays and a tribute to Roger Casement near a war memorial.

A massive Tricolour - estimated at being 60ft across - was attached to scaffolding at Castlewellan Library and covered up a war memorial.

Alan Lewis from South Down Ukip said: "This is how republicans choose to respect the local community and their unionist neighbours.

"It seems that Sinn Fein's equality agenda has completely gone out the window as they hurry to glorify their failed rebellion. If this total lack of respect is a glimpse into the united Ireland that republicans so desire, it is no wonder that unionists in this country want absolutely no part of it."

Meanwhile, Belfast DUP councillor Frank McCoubrey condemned those who erected IRA D Company flags on the Falls Road Jobs and Benefits office in west Belfast.

Mr McCoubrey said: "This is a Government building. Flags promoting a terrorist organisation should not be on the building or within its curtilage.

"The flags are a disgrace in and of themselves, but to erect them on Government property is nothing more than an attempt to antagonise and intimidate. I will certainly work to ensure the flags are removed."

It follows a recent row over similar IRA flags erected outside the Millfield campus of Belfast Metropolitan College.

Sinn Fein councillor Niall O'Donnghaile tweeted a picture outside the jobs office on Sunday with a caption: 'Patriot dead families receive the salute from the Easter Guard of Honour'.

Elsewhere, DUP MLA Peter Weir said he was "shocked and dismayed" after claiming Mr O'Donnghaile left a tribute to republican hero Casement at a U-boat gun beside a war memorial in Ward Park, Bangor.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Gerry Adams Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Gerry Adams Belfast , UK - March 27, Pictured is the Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye ) Kevin Scott / Presseye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The parade began at Divis Tower at noon and made its way to the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Those marching are we aring period dress, and the parade includes horse-drawn carriages, uniforms, memorabilia of the time and flute bands. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast Photo by Kevin Scott/Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2016 Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. Hundreds of people line the streets of west Belfast for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Picture by Jonathan Porter Press Eye. / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Centenary 1916 Easter Commemoration parade as it makes its way along the Falls Road in Belfast on March 27, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye )

"This is a disgraceful stunt. I am glad to say that the memorial notice was quickly removed but it should never have been there. It was a provocative act which ran the risk of stirring up tension," Mr Weir said.

Belfast Telegraph