The Northern Ireland Assembly has called for St Patrick's Day to be made a public holiday. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) claimed that it would attract tourists and recognise St Patrick's role as the bringer of Christianity of all denominations to Ireland.
The motion was tabled by The Alliance Party's Kieran McCarthy. "Northern Ireland has massive tourism potential and to realise this potential we need to make sure St Patrick's Day is a real public holiday for all.”
“We need to make the most of St Patrick's Day and attract tourists to Northern Ireland to celebrate the day with us, enjoy our hospitality and help boost our economy," he said.
He added it was about creating a shared future and giving everyone ownership of the day.
"It is about making St Patrick's Day the best it can be because we have a lot to be proud of in Northern Ireland and this is one of the biggest days on our calendar," he said.
“Many young people currently cannot take part in celebrations because they are at school and many other people have to work on the day too.
Mr McCarthy added: "We had this very same debate over 10 years ago and I sincerely hope that we don't have to wait another 10 years for the Secretary of State (Shaun Woodward) to make it a public holiday for everyone.”
Ulster Unionist MLA and Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy backed the motion and said it was a matter that should command cross-community support.
SDLP Assembly member and former Belfast Mayor Alban Maginness and claimed that St Patrick was Ireland's patron saint and it was fitting that he be recognised with a public holiday.
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