Northern Ireland

Proposal to celebrate July 12 here is ridiculous, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously

The realities of accommodating a unionist minority in an united Ireland raises some difficult questions about our political and cultural traditions

July 12 is primarily a celebration by unionists of the victory of William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, and the bloody Battle of Aughrim in 1691. Picture: Getty

Patrick Costello’s proposal to make July 12 a public holiday here in the south was ridiculous, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously.

If that seems a contradiction in terms, then let me explain.

The Green Party TD has been the subject of wave of criticism and ridicule following his suggestion that July 12, an Ulster Protestant day of celebration in the north, also be made a public holiday in the Republic.

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