People see themselves as British, Irish, Northern Irish, even European, either in isolation or in combination.
Symbols are a feature of most organisations, societies and states around the world.
They are both an expression of national identity and the sovereignty of the state. In divided societies, symbols can become the focus of bitter contention. Alliance believes that too much stock is placed on the display of communal or national symbols. Primacy should be given to creating and preserving neutral environments in which to live, work, and play. However, in any society, some use of symbols is inevitable.