IRELAND could be about to get its own Independence Day with the Cabinet set to discuss the possibility today.
A prospective bill, which will be debated in the Seanad this afternoon, would see January 21 designated as the nation's official Declaration of Independence Day.
But don't get too excited just yet - the date wouldn't be made into a bank holiday.
The idea behind formally recognising January 21 was first suggested by Fianna Fáil senator Dr Keith Swanick, as it is the date the Dáil first sat in 1919.
“I believe the importance of this occasion needs to be marked,” Dr Swanick told the Journal on Friday.
However, last year former Taoiseach Enda Kenny rejected calls for January 21 to receive formal recognition.
"Well, we have our day – it’s the 17 March," he said. "We are one of the few countries internationally to have a day that is ours and it is recognised globally now in so many cities around the world.
"There is the greening of The Great Wall, the greening of the Eiffel Tower, of the London Eye, the Niagara Falls or wherever, and we are very proud of that.
"I am happy that we have one day – it’s the 17 of March – and Irish people all over the world are recognised for being proud of their day."
A decision on the proposal's future will be announced later today.
