The green, white and gold vertical panels of Ireland's national flag - also know as the Tricolour - represent the Gaelic tradition, followers of King William of Orange and peace between these two opposing sides. A nice idea in theory.... Its raising above the GPO after the 1916 Easter Rising brought the flag into national prominence as a symbol of independence from British rule. In Northern Ireland the flag is also flown in staunch Republican areas where people regard Ireland as one nation.