Taoiseach Urged To Clarify Position On 1916 Rising

The Taoiseach has been urged to clarify the government's position on the 1916 Rising, following comments by former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Joh Burton that it had been a mistake.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams made the call asking the Taoiseach to lay out both his own and the government's position, saying that there is "widespread concern at what has so far been a minimalist approach to marking the 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising."

"There is as yet no programme of events for the Anniversary and the only suggestion so far by members of this Government has been around inviting British royalty," Mr Adams said.

Adding: "The Government's treatment of the historic Moore Street 1916 battlefield site has been a disaster, with the desires of property developers getting precedence over the need to preserve and promote our national heritage.

"In this light, the remarks of former Taoiseach and Fine Gael Leader John Bruton that the 1916 Rising was a mistake has caused further concern.

"In light of the remarks by his former party leader, the Taoiseach should clarify his own position and that of the Government towards the 1916 Rising and how it intends to mark the Centenary of this key event in the history of our nation."

(MH/CD)