A Northern Ireland council is calling for an Irish passport office to be established north of the border amid news that dozens of “Orangemen who are hardcore loyalists” already have the travel documents.
And a debate on the issue at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council this week heard stories of family holidays ruined or people being left behind from trips abroad thanks to their Irish passport taking too long to process.
Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon (SF) said the move would “ease the burden” on local applicants, however DUP rep Henry Reilly dismissed the idea as “silly”.
