The Bishop of Down and Conor Dr Donal McKeown told those gathered at the annual commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin today that nobody could claim individual ownership over republican ideals.
The State's political leaders attended the religious and wreath-laying service at Arbour Hill Church where Dr McKeown told those gathered: "Different organisations seek to exploit the events of Easter 1916 for their own purposes. They see themselves as the high priesthood, the sole keepers of the pure flame of what it is to be Irish. Dogmatic self-righteousness will not serve the common good."
A Requiem Mass, celebrated by Dr McKeown, was attended by the President, the Taoiseach, Cabinet ministers, opposition leaders and senior representatives from the Defence Forces, Garda Síochana and the judiciary. Army chaplain Monsignor John Crowley also officiated at the Mass on Dublin's northside.
Fifteen leaders of the Rising were executed by the British between the 3rd and 12th of May, 1916.
Several surviving relatives of the 1916 leaders were guests of honour at the ceremony, which was attended by over 250 people in bright sunshine.
Earlier Mrs McAleese inspected a guard of honour drawn from the 2nd battalion of the Eastern Brigade before laying a wreath at the Arbour Hill memorial plot for the 1916 leaders. Defence Forces personnel then stood to attention as the national anthem was played by the Army No 1 Band.
Also present at the 90-minute event was Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, Minister for Fiance, Brian Cowen, Ceann Comhairle of the Dail, Rory O'Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Rory Kiely.
The Defence Forces chief of staff, Lt General Jim Sreenan, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy also attended as did Chief Justice John Murray; former chief justice Ronan Keane, the Attorney General Rory Brady and several senior members of the judiciary.
Members of the Opposition at the event included Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Labour deputy leader Liz McManus and Green Party leader Trevor Sargent and former Fine Gael Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave. Several TDs, Senators and members of Dublin City Council also attended.