DUP rep wants July 12 to be like Mardi Gras

Northern Ireland's tourism chiefs were urged today to market the controversial and divisive Orange Order’s Battle of the Boyne celebrations like the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or France’s Bastille Day.

The Democratic Unionists’ Alex Easton insisted the summer marching season - involving parades by the Orange Order, Black Preceptory and Apprentice Boys - should be marketed in a more positive light to international visitors.

Mr Easton claimed the image of the marching season had been tarnished by nationalist residents’ groups which opposed parades.

“As is often the case, education equates to greater levels of understanding.

“A positive, pro-active and concerted marketing campaign by bodies such as the Northern Ireland Tourist Board would increase people’s understanding of what the marching season is all about and how they can enjoy the cultural heritage which it represents.

“New Orleans has its Mardi Gras and France has Bastille Day. I believe that the relevant tourist promotion agencies could be doing so much more to market our equivalent to these events – namely the Twelfth of July which commemorates the Battle of the Boyne.”