Sir, – It is not difficult to detect a tone of ambivalence in Government at the prospect of having the responsibility of marking the centenary of perhaps the seminal event of Irish national self-determination. It would seem that what should be an opportunity to reassert and celebrate with confidence the legitimate declaration and establishment of the sovereignty of the Irish people is in fact being played out as a dubious privilege.
It is true one cannot ignore the complexity of Ireland’s journey to nationhood nor the fact that some, even today, struggle to accept the fact or desirability of Irish independence. It is nonetheless a reality.
A European friend observed to me recently how strange it was that the Irish were so uncertain about celebrating periodically what most nations boast of constantly.
I fervently hope we shall as a people in all our rich diversity compensate for the prevailing and governing political ambivalence toward the forthcoming centenary with an enthusiastic celebration of our nationhood and leave apologies to those who will inevitably mess up the logistics. – Yours, etc,
RONAN B TOBIN,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Could someone representing the 1916 relatives please explain to the rest of us citizens why exactly they see themselves as being so important to the upcoming commemoration? There doesn’t seem to be a plan or programme of activities announced that does not have this group pontificating or complaining about it.
It goes without saying that none of these relatives were actually there during the Rising. They played no part in it, yet because of their bloodline they feel themselves entitled to lecture the rest of us mere citizens and indeed the Government on what should and should not be done. Giving a special place to citizens just because of an accident of birth is the antithesis of republicanism. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT COUSINS,
Dublin 18.
A chara, – The only surprise so far is that the Government is not planning to commemorate the 1916 Rising on April 1st, 2016. – Is mise,
LOMAN Ó LOINGSIGH,
Dublin 24.
Sir, – I note with some trepidation that the military parade on Easter Sunday 2016 will be led by relatives of those who participated in the Rising. What will be the dress code for the marchers? Military uniforms or leprechaun outfits with Google, Facebook and Twitter insignia? – Yours, etc,
PATRICK O’BYRNE,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.