McDowell Calls For 12th To Be All-Island Holiday

The Twelfth of July should be made a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland just like St Patrick's Day, according to former Tanaiste Michael McDowell.

The former Progressive Democrat leader says it would be a way of building a more inclusive society into the future.

He said the Irish flag was green, white and orange - symbolising a recognition and reconciliation of the green and orange traditions.

But he questioned if Ireland really faces up to the implications of that today.

"I think if we are genuine Republicans, and if the Orange panel on our flag is to mean anything, we have to consider building an inclusive society," he told the Magill Summer School in Co Donegal.

He said a good start has been made by turning the site of the Battle of the Boyne in Co. Meath into a national monument, and suggested there be an all-island national holiday on July 12th.

The Orange Order's main marches take place on that date to commemorate Prince William of Orange's 1690 Battle of the Boyne victory over Catholic King James II.

Mr McDowell challenged government ministers from the Republic to attend the annual protestant celebration in the North.

"Could an Irish government minister in the near future attend a Twelfth demonstration in Northern Ireland in the same way they now attend St Patrick's Day parades around the world, or is that impossible for some reason?" he asked.

He said it was time to think aloud about where Ireland was going, and look ahead 20 years and imagine how the two parts of the island would relate to one another at that stage.

He emphasised that he was in favour of Irish unity, and that "enhanced respect for the Orange panel does not imply downgrading or reducing our respect and love for things green".

Winston Smith, a member of the Orange Order in the Republic, commended Mr McDowell for his suggestion.

He said the annual orange order parade in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal - the only one held south of the border - was getting bigger every year, and he hoped the time would come in the not too distant future where an Orange parade could be held peacefully in Dublin.

But Arthur Morgan of Sinn Féin said he believed there was "no stomach for it (either a parade or a national holiday) in the 26 counties at the moment".

"When I heard it first, I thought, 'here we go again, poor Michael, no wonder he is out of politics'. I thought it was hilarious," he said.

Michael McDowell lost his Dail seat in the 2007 election, and was an outspoken critic of Sinn Féin while Justice Minister.

"But having read the speech, in fairness, I think Michael is talking about some time in the future," said Mr Morgan.

"Important work is going on, on a daily basis to improve relations between both sides and that has to be built on," he said.

But he believes the idea of a bank holiday on the Twelfth was "jumping the gun".

"If a long view is taken, I agree there needs to be an accommodation," he said, "It's as good as goal as any, perhaps, in genuinely recognising all traditions and trying to accommodate them."