Bishop calls for 17th March to be made a public holiday
Reflecting on yesterdays successful celebrations in honour of Saint Patrick, the Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore, is asking that Saint Patrick's Day be designated a public holiday.
Bishop Harold today made the following statement: 'Hardly a Saint Patrick's Day passes without a range of public figures lending their support to the idea that 17th March should be a public holiday. This year, it was none other than Ian Paisley, the First Minister.
Over many years, I have been one of those commending the idea, and I was pleased to see that our Assembly has also lent its support (although entangled a little with the issue of flags).
Now is the time to progress this idea and make it a reality - through the Westminster Parliament. We have just celebrated a Saint Patrick's Day, which, more than ever has been shared by both communities. What a tragedy it is when, year after year, some people cannot join in the celebrations and worship which focus on our Patron Saint. This is specially the case with children who are required to be at school.
Every year in Downpatrick, major celebrations focus on the Church of Ireland Cathedral (where Patrick is buried) and the site at Saul (where Patrick planted his first church). I look forward to the day when everyone is free to join in the holiday spirit at these and others sites, and when Patrick is fully embraced by both communities in Northern Ireland.
So I say to the politicians: Just do it! Celebrate.'
+ Harold, Down & Dromore