16/03/2012
Nigel Dodds Calls For St Patrick's Day Holiday
The DUP's Deputy Leader has called for St Patrick's Day to become a public holiday in Northern Ireland.
The Patron Saint’s Day is currently a Bank Holiday, but questioning the Leader of the House during Business Questions the North Belfast MP called for it to become an official Public Holiday.
Mr Dodds said only some people would have a day off on Monday.
He said: "On Saturday St Patrick’s Day will be marked by both the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards through parades in Northern Ireland. On Monday whilst some people will enjoy a day off as a result of the Bank Holiday this is not the case for everyone, including some parents whose children’s schools do celebrate it.
"Only yesterday there was a a very welcome announcement that Armagh is to receive Lord Mayoralty, and given the links between the city and St Patrick there could be no more appropriate time for a statement to come from the Secretary of State which would designate the day as a Public Holiday which could be enjoyed by everyone within the Province."
(LB)
The Patron Saint’s Day is currently a Bank Holiday, but questioning the Leader of the House during Business Questions the North Belfast MP called for it to become an official Public Holiday.
Mr Dodds said only some people would have a day off on Monday.
He said: "On Saturday St Patrick’s Day will be marked by both the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards through parades in Northern Ireland. On Monday whilst some people will enjoy a day off as a result of the Bank Holiday this is not the case for everyone, including some parents whose children’s schools do celebrate it.
"Only yesterday there was a a very welcome announcement that Armagh is to receive Lord Mayoralty, and given the links between the city and St Patrick there could be no more appropriate time for a statement to come from the Secretary of State which would designate the day as a Public Holiday which could be enjoyed by everyone within the Province."
(LB)
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