Politicians are hoping that St Patrick's Orange Lodge will march in this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Downpatrick, an event traditionally popular with the nationalist community in Co Down.

Both unionist and nationalist politicians in the area have voiced their support for the idea and Down District Council has set up a working group to investigate the feasibility of local Orangemen participating in the major tourist event.

However, concern has been raised over the safety of lodge members if they agree to march, amid fears that their participation could spark street violence.

"Who is going to be responsible for their safety? My fear would be that the young people who roll about drunk on St Patrick's day could start trouble. I'm not knocking it, but these things cannot be side-stepped," said DUP councillor William Walker.

Ulster Unionist councillor Eddie Rea, who had attempted to secure the lodge's participation in last year's event but failed because of a disagreement over whether or not the organisation could display any of its vestiges, said he felt "it would send a lovely message to see an Orange lodge walking in the St Patrick's Day parade".

Council vice-chairman, SDLP councillor Colin McGrath, added that he " would be delighted if people who have traditionally been alienated from the event wanted to participate".

St Patrick's Orange Lodge has met to discuss the issue but a decision on whether members will join in the event has yet to be reached.

However, lodge member Colin Kennedy said, while he does not rule out the organisation's participation in the future, he does not feel the time is currently right.

"Bottom line is that no-one can ensure our safety on the day. The lodge will make a decision in due course and while I do not rule out participation in future years. I personally will not be in Downpatrick on March 17.

"It is still too much of a cold house for Protestants," he said.

A spokesman for the Orange Order said that if a lodge is invited to take part in a St Patrick's Day parade it is a matter for the individual lodge.

The St Patrick's Day parade in Downpatrick is one of the biggest parades in the province and attracts tourists from across the world.

If the local Orange lodge agrees to participate it is understood it will be the first time for any lodge to march in the parade.