During a meeting of the Enniskillen Urban Council on Monday night, chaired by Mr. George Whaley, a significant resolution was discussed regarding the future of July 12th. The meeting addressed a request from Dungannon Urban Council urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to officially recognize July 12th as a legal bank holiday.
Mr. James Cooper, MP, moved to adopt the resolution, recommending that July 12th be declared a general holiday. The motion received swift support from Mr. Algeo, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for the proposal.
However, the conversation took a turn when Mr. T.W. Johnston proposed an amendment, seconded by Mr. T.E. Kirkpatrick, advocating for a clause that would require the closure of all licensed premises on July 12th. The amendment sparked a lively debate among the council members.
Mr. W.E. Trimble, a known advocate of temperance, voiced his opposition to the clause, arguing against the enforced closure of licensed establishments. His stance was echoed by Mr. D. Reilly, who described any interference with licensed traders on July 12th as “outrageous.”
The discussion grew more pointed when Mr. Kirkpatrick highlighted the potential damage to the Orange Order’s reputation if members were seen under the influence of alcohol while wearing their colors on the 12th.
Mr. Cooper, MP, added a touch of irony, questioning how such a day could be celebrated without toasting the “glorious, pious, and immortal memory.”
Despite the spirited debate, all proposed amendments were eventually withdrawn, leading to the unanimous adoption of the resolution. The decision paved the way for July 12th to be officially recognized as a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, a status it would achieve by 1926, despite lingering concerns about alcohol consumption during the celebrations.
In a related development, the ongoing political tension between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State was underscored by comments from W.T. Cosgrave, President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State. Cosgrave lamented the intransigence of Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister, Sir James Craig, who had consistently refused to compromise on critical issues.
Cosgrave remarked, “I have met Sir James Craig time and time again in an effort to discover whether accommodation could not be secured. Time after time, Sir James has maintained the same attitude. In his own words, he ‘will not budge an inch.’”
This steadfast position by Craig, despite numerous attempts at negotiation, has cast a shadow over any hopes of reconciliation between the two leaders. Cosgrave noted, “He has never made the slightest advance towards accommodation. He has never made any practical move towards a solution of his difficulties.”
Although Craig recently expressed a willingness to meet, Cosgrave expressed skepticism about the prospects of such a meeting if Craig’s stance remained unchanged, suggesting that it would serve no meaningful purpose under the current circumstances.