| Cllr Sarah Holland has today described the welcome conversations taking place on doorsteps around the country on the legacy of 1916. She said: “We have brought our literature featuring imagery of The Proclamation to doorsteps all around Rathfarnham, Tallaght and beyond. People are embracing the celebrations and re-enactments of this centenary year of commemorations, which belong to the people of Ireland. We are hearing stories of relatives who fought in 1916, and we are delighted to be having these conversations. I very much doubt it is something that Fine Gael is actively discussing. The idea of cherishing all of the children of this nation equally is shamefully lacking in its policy and practices.” Cllr Holland went on to say: “No one party or group owns these celebrations – the people do. However, given the Governments sad lack of planning last year, and its determination to dilute the sentiments of the Rising, we are not surprised that it is attacking Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin has commemorated the Rising every year. We are proud to do so and we make no apologies for commemorating the events of 1916 this centenary year. We would encourage every other party to do so and not allow Ireland’s history to be whitewashed over.” |