18/09/2014

Former Taoiseach Critical Of 1916 Rising

The 1916 Rising has been declared an unjust war, by former Taoiseach John Bruton.

According to a report by RTÉ, Mr Bruton was speaking on the centenary of Home Rule in Dublin, when he said "the fact Home Rule for Ireland became law 100 years ago, meant that the use of violence in the Easter Rising was not a genuine last resort and had no hope of military success."

Mr Bruton has criticised the leader of the Rising, which he claims "explicitly" took the opposite side to fellow Irishmen in the trenches during World War 1.

He went on to that the leader were "not neutral", and that they "took sides with Germany".

He added that he believed that living for Ireland was better than dying for Ireland.

Mr Bruton has been widely condemned for his views on the 1916 Rising.

(MH/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 August 2014
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.
08 March 2016
Special Event To Take Place To Highlight The Role Of Women In 1916 Events
A special Ireland 2016 event is to be held today (Tuesday) at Royal Hospital Kilmainham to highlight the role of women in the events of 1916. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, will welcome women from across all sectors of Irish society to the event celebrating International Women's Day.
06 July 2015
Work Begins On Pearse's Cottage Visitor Centre
Work is set to begin today (6 July) on a new cultural and visitor centre at Pearse's Cottage, Ros Muc, Galway. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny will turn the first sod of the project. The visitor centre at Pearse's Cottage is being developed as part of a €22m capital investment and will will leave a permanent legacy from the 2016 commemorations.
19 November 2014
Sinn Féin Criticise Govt Over 'Deeply Disrespectful' 1916 Commemorations
The government has been criticised for a "lack of detail" in its plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that the plans were "deeply disrespectful to the men and women of 1916 and betray a cynical indifference to their ideals, hopes and vision".
17 May 2016
Taoiseach In US For 1916 Commemoration Events
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will travel to Washington DC today to attend 1916 Commemoration events in the US. The Taoiseach will join with US Vice President Joe Biden, to formally open the Ireland 100 Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.