A senior Orangeman has wished people a happy St Patrick’s Day.
Edward Stevenson, the Grand Master of the Orange Institution, has sent greetings cards to Irish embassies and diplomatic stations around the world.
Mr Stevenson said the organisation acknowledges that some may view the move as “surprising” but stated that people need to be reminded that “Patrick is not the sole preserve of Irish nationalism”.
Mr Stevenson said: “First and foremost, Patrick was a Christian, who brought the good news of the Gospel to Ireland – a large part of that story is of course centred in Ulster.
“For too long, many St Patrick’s Day events at home and abroad have been dominated by the nationalist/republican tradition, are not inclusive, and make little effort to recognise the Protestant/Unionist tradition in Ireland.”
He added that the message sent to the various ambassadors ahead of St Patrick’s Day highlights the “importance of St Patrick to many within the unionist community who are increasingly marking the day with services, parades and functions.”
The card also highlights the “integral part” played by the Cross of St Patrick in the design of the Union Flag.
Mr Stevenson added: “The legacy of St Patrick, the man who brought Christianity to Ireland and has been described as the ‘Apostle of Ulster,’ should not solely be about green beer, leprechauns or the flag of the Republic of Ireland.
“In addition to the celebrations, we all should look to Patrick’s own writings which reinforce the Biblical truths of our need for salvation and God’s grace.”