A council decision never to raise the Union flag over Enniskillen Town Hall again has raised pro- tests that Co Fermanagh is "in danger of becoming a cold house for unionists".
Councillors have agreed that no flag can be flown from Fermanagh District Council's headquarters on any occasion, provoking an angry response from unionists.
Ulster Unionist councillor Tom Elliott said there was a "growing wave of unrest within the unionist community" at the decision.
But Sinn Féin councillor Gerry McHugh said unionists had not been prepared to compromise on the emotive issue with nationalists and republicans.
"It's a sign of Sinn Féin's strength on the council that there is an attempt to bring about a more neutral environment," he said.
Although the decision that no flag should be flown was taken last week, the Union flag was last seen above the town hall in March 2002.
A six-month trial period during which no flag was flown from the town hall was then followed by an equality impact assessment procedure.
This ended with councillors on the Sinn Féin-dominated authority voting to scrap the previous policy of flying the Union Flag only on 17 designated days in favour of flying no flag on any occasion.
"The previous policy appeared to strike a balance and had a proper regard for partnership, equality and mutual respect," Mr Elliott said.
"It is vital that acknowledgement of the unionist community is recognised within Fermanagh, otherwise this county is in danger of becoming a cold house for unionists.
"People who support the union of the United Kingdom, of which Northern Ireland is an integral part, are appalled that the flag which represents their nation is not permitted to be flown on the headquarters of the local council," he added.
Mr McHugh insisted that nationalists and republicans did not want to "wipe away Enniskillen's military heritage" but wanted "fair representation".
"It's not the case that Sinn Féin want all flags and emblems removed from council buildings but change is needed," he said.
"If someone was to come into the town hall for a tour they would come away thinking Fermanagh was a unionist place.
"It's the same with the flag on top – people seeing it would think that the county was unionist, when that's not the case.
"It's about 50/50 unionist and nationalist here so it's only fair that we are given equal representation."
"We would have been agreeable to having the Tricolour flown," he added.
Guidance given to the council by the Equality Commission stated that there is no legislation governing the flying of flags from council buildings.
