Ireland is one nation, one people, and one Republic.  But the symbol of the Irish State should be the one flag that represents every citizen equally: the Irish National Flag. This is not a statement against any community or any individual.  It is not about excluding anyone.  It is about preserving the neutrality and unity of the institutions of the State. Government buildings belong to all the people of Ireland.  They should display the symbol that unites every citizen rather than symbols associated with particular movements, campaigns or causes.  The Irish Tricolour is our national flag.  It already represents the entire nation and every citizen equally. Private citizens, businesses and organisations are entirely free to display any lawful flag or symbol they choose.  That is part of living in a free and democratic society. Government is different.  Government should not appear to favour one group, one movement or one cause over another.  Its role is to serve every citizen equally. The same principle applies to An Garda Síochána.  The Gardaí are not the police force of one community or one movement.  They are the national police service of the Republic of Ireland.  Every person, regardless of their background, political opinion, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation, should have complete confidence that the Gardaí act impartially and without favour. For that reason, Garda vehicles should display only the official insignia, colours and symbols of the Irish State.  They should not carry symbols associated with any particular social or political cause, however well intentioned.  The appearance of neutrality is just as important as neutrality itself in maintaining public confidence in policing. One nation. One people. One Republic. The Irish National Flag should remain the principal flag displayed on Government buildings and the only national symbol displayed on Garda vehicles, representing every citizen equally under the Constitution and before the law.