David Quinn of the Iona Institute has hit back at critics of the law which bans the sale of alcohol on Good Friday. The law dates back to 1927 with many commentators - including restaurant owners - saying it is now outdated.

Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins said that the law is not only affecting the Irish brand abroad, but businesses here as well.

"It is unacceptable to have this archaic ban in place on religious grounds, especially in the multi-cultural and multi-religious society that Ireland has become. Aside from the law showing a 19th-Century image of Ireland to incoming tourists, many restaurants decide to close their doors on Good Friday" he said.

He suggested that Ireland must be "the only country in the world that has a bank holiday weekend and actually chooses to close the tourist attractions it is best known for- the centres of craic and ceol- the restaurants and pubs of the country", noting that even the Vatican City does not obey "this ridiculous law".

He also noted that “In 2009, Judge Mary Fahy said prosecuting restaurants which offered wine with meals on Good Friday was 'ludicrous' in today's world.

During a hearing in Galway District Court, she decided not to record convictions against nine restaurants that had done this.

However David Quinn told Newstalk Lunchtime if Good Friday goes, then so should the Easter Bank holiday weekend.