The 12th “should be a national holiday” in the Irish Republic.

Thursday 22 July 10

Mr McDowell made a statement on Wednesday afternoon that the 12^th of July should be made a national holiday in the Irish Republic as well in Northern Ireland.

The former minister argued that genuine republicans had to consider building an inclusive society.

Further stating, "Generally speaking there is an under appreciation of the Orange tradition in Ireland,"

Mr McDowell statements have come at a time when there has been increased tension surrounding the 12^th of July commemorations, following the riots which persisted for days in North Belfast.

He suggests that he was referring to ‘Orange tradition`’ in the broad sense.

Stating that, "I was pointing out that in the Republic in particular, there is a failure to address the significance of the orange panel of the Irish tricolour, as in the part of Irishness which is not Gaelic or Catholic.”

Mr McDowell says that his statements were not “sweetener but rather a matter of friendship”

He said "You look at the problems in the Ardoyne and for people in the Republic one of the most offensive things is to see the tricolour being waved by people who are engaging in sectarian rioting,"

Mr McDowell suggested that "The south has a role to play in changing attitudes north and south, its not good enough to watch, there are things we can do to foster such things.”

It is unlikely however that the 12^th of July will become a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland.