The 90th anniversary Easter Rising military parade through Dublin, which attracted over 100,000 spectators, has been hailed as a success by political leaders, writes Stephen Collins, Political Correspondent
The march was described by the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, as "a spectacular success", while the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, said it was "a great day for which the public came out in huge numbers."
Some 2,500 members of the Defence Forces, and veterans of peacekeeping missions, marched through Dublin. Gardaí put the crowd that watched them at 100,000, while the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, said some 120,000 spectators lined the route.
The Taoiseach started the day of commemoration at a wreath-laying ceremony in the stone-breakers' yard in Kilmainham Gaol where some of the Rising's leaders were executed. He said the 90th anniversary commemorations were "about discharging one generation's debt of honour to another".
The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, said the parade "was a great showcase for the Irish Army, for the services at home and abroad, and great to see them all". He said it could be considered a long dress rehearsal for centenary commemorations in 2016.
Also referring to the centenary commemorations, the Taoiseach later told RTÉ: "I have no difficulty with how it should evolve. I think there have been some good suggestions that perhaps it should turn into a commemoration of what would then be 100 years since the foundation of the State."
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte agreed that the parade "was well-organised and provided an opportunity for the defence forces to put their capabilities on display". Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said the parade was a symbol of a modern Ireland.
Mr McDowell said the "open, inclusive" debate that had taken place recently had brought a new generation of young people into contact with 1916. While there would be discussions on when to hold the next commemoration, "today's events will encourage the Irish State to be confident about celebrating 1916", he said.
The leaders of all the political parties in the Republic, with the exception of Sinn Féin, joined the President and the Taoiseach on the reviewing stand outside the GPO in O'Connell Street. A range of other politicians and dignitaries, including the British ambassador, Stewart Eldon, and the SDLP leader, Mark Durkan, also attended.
However, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams stayed away, as did the party leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Sinn Féin was represented by its Louth TD, Arthur Morgan.
The ceremonies at the GPO got under way when at noon the Tricolour was lowered to half mast to the accompaniment of a piper's lament. Capt Tom Ryan, of the sixth Infantry Battalion, read the Proclamation. President McAleese then laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish people and there was a minute's silence for all of those killed during Easter week 1916.
The parade began in Dame Street and was joined by Army bands when it reached O'Connell Street. Army and Navy personnel paraded with their latest equipment and vehicles while Air Corps and Garda air support units flew overhead. The Army equitation school, Defence Forces medical corps, An Garda Síochána, UN veterans and ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen also marched. Mr O'Dea said he saluted "an outstanding military display... A display that I am sure has made the people of this country immensely proud."
The parade was also warmly received by descendants of those who fought in the Rising. Fr Joe Mallin, son of Comdt Michael Mallin, who was executed for his role in the Rising, said it was clear a lot of preparatory work had gone into the ceremony. Brothers Austin and Rossa Ó Briain, grandsons of Cathal Brugha, said they were "very proud" of how the anniversary had been marked.