The current situation

Four Provinces flag

The island of Ireland is currently split between the Republic of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) in the north. Each side has their own flag, but there is no single neutral design to represent the whole of Ireland. This is a problem when there are many all-Ireland organisations and sporting-teams. Many of these compete internationally but cannot use an official neutral all-Ireland flag because no such design exists. Instead, each one uses their own ad hoc compromise design. A well-known example is the Four Provinces flag (displayed above) that just combines the individual flags of each of Ireland’s four provinces so as to represent the entire island in a disunited, clumsy and complex way.

Compare this situation with the Korean peninsula: Although it is split between North Korea and South Korea, there is a single neutral official flag to represent the whole of Korea for joint organisations and sporting teams.

Also, the future possibility of Irish unification is becoming more and more plausible. If this possibility escalates into a real scenario, the island will require an acceptable symbol that is neutral and not associated with only one side. Polls show that creating a new flag in the event of Irish reunification is the most popular option among both the public and politicians.

Therefore, here is my proposal.

Note: My choice of designs do not reflect my political opinions.

My proposal

Proposed neutral flag of All-Ireland

First off, this design is simple enough to be remembered by a child, yet distinctive enough to be identified at a distance.

This design focuses on what the two sides of Ireland have in common. It features the shamrock, a centuries-old symbol of Ireland that is associated with Saint Patrick, the Christian Trinity and nature. It is well-known across the whole island and overseas, yet it is neutral and not associated with either side in particular.

The shamrock in this flag is stylised so as to be simple, striking and iconic. It is comprised of hearts joined together, representing the aspiration for an Ireland defined by love, positivity, respect and unity, rather than the conflict of the past. The three leaves represent the Catholics in the south, the Protestants in the north, and the Irish diaspora overseas (in no particular order). They are facing apart yet joined at the centre, representing how the Irish come from different backgrounds but come together in peace.

The white represents peace and the green represents the natural beauty of the island.

Vector files available on request.

Mock-ups of the proposed neutral flag of All-Ireland

Construction sheet of the proposed neutral flag of All-Ireland