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".

Speaking in the Dáil today Mr Adams told the Taoiseach it was "very clear" that the "incompetent Government has no intention of fulfilling the vision of the 1916 Proclamation".

He continued: "You also have no intention of properly commemorating and celebrating the 1916 Rising. For three years you offered no plan, no proposals, no ideas and no vision of how the State should mark the hugely significant 100th anniversary of the Rising."

Mr Adams went on to question the Taoiseach over the government's 'Ireland 2016' video: "Taoiseach, can you explain to the Dáil why the video which launches ‘Ireland 2016' makes no mention of the Easter Rising or of the signatories of the Proclamation?

"Instead, we are treated to images of Facebook, Google, Bob Geldof, Bono, David Cameron and the English Queen! Is this what the Government believes the 1916 Rising was about?"

"The reality is that the Government won't mark the Rising appropriately because it is opposed to the political, social and economic intent of the 1916 Proclamation. Despite this shameful official neglect, ordinary Irish citizens, North and South, and the Irish Diaspora will celebrate and educate and pay tribute to the brave men and women of 1916."

(MH/CD)