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MLAs seek St Patrick's Day holiday
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St Patrick's Day, Armagh. 2010
St Patricks Day Parade Belfast. Submitted by R Wilkinson
St Patrick's Day pre-parade snack, Belfast . Submitted by R Wilkinson
Pacemaker Press 17/3/10 Young boys watch the St Patrick's day parade in Armagh Yesterday Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker
St Patrick's Day, Armagh. 2010
St Patrick's Day, Armagh. 2010
St Patrick's Day Armagh. 2010
St Patrick's Day Armagh. 2010
St Patrick's Day Armagh. 2010
St Patrick's Day 2010: Armagh
St Patrick's Day 2010: Armagh
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
Flashback .... St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Derry
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Downpatrick
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Belfast
St Patrick's Day 2010: Dublin
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: Nottingham
St Patrick's Day 2010: Nottingham
St Patrick's Day 2010: Nottingham
St Patrick's Day 2010: Nottingham
St Patrick's Day 2010: Nottingham
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
St Patrick's Day 2010: London
Irish Wolfhound dogs with their owners march during the Brisbane, Australia St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Brisbane CBD
Thousands of spectators watch as the Chicago River is dyed green prior to the annual St. Patrick's Day parade
Spectators watch as the Chicago River is dyed green prior to the annual St. Patrick's Day parade
Spectators react as they brave rain and 40 degree temperatures to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade in Chicago
Revelers prepare to march in the 249th annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 17, 2010 in New York City
A band marches in the 249th annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 17, 2010 in New York City
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg marches in the 249th annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 17, 2010 in New York City
US President Barack Obama speaks during a Friends of Ireland Lunch at the US Capitol with the Taoiseach of Ireland Brian Cowen in attendance on March 17, 2010 in Washington, DC
A Marlins fan watches the the Atlanta Braves take on the Florida Marlins on St. Patrick's Day at Roger Dean Stadium on March 17, 2010 in Jupiter, Florida
The South Lawn Fountain is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day at the White House March 17, 2010 in Washington DC
St Patrick's Day 2010: Taoiseach Brian Cowen in Washington DC
A painting of Saint Patrick is seen outside Saint Patrick's Cathedral during the 249th annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 17, 2010 in New York City
Call for St Patrick's Day to be a public holiday in N Ireland
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The Northern Ireland Assembly has called for St Patrick's Day to be made a public holiday.
MLAs said it would attract tourists and recognise St Patrick's role as the bringer of Christianity of all denominations to Ireland.
The Alliance Party's Kieran McCarthy tabled the motion.
"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 Danny Kennedy backed the motion and said it was a matter which should command cross-community support. SDLP Assembly member Alban Maginness said St Patrick was Ireland's patron saint and it was fitting that he be recognised with a public holiday.
PA
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