John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

As one who is not a member of the political party which held a so-called rally in Killarney at the weekend, I defend the right of the Taoiseach to make an announcement there or anywhere else on the issue of a 1916 Rising commemoration. I live near the Curragh and it is interesting to note that the barracks there are named after the leaders of the 1916 rebellion such as Ceannt and Pearse. It is standard practice in a democracy to have military involvement in commemorations and State ceremonies. It is not unusual. In our case, we have Óglaigh na hÉireann. Many would be willing to hold overt military parades to mark the anniversary of the rising. For that and other reasons, it is entirely appropriate that the Army which is the inheritor of the 1916 tradition and underpins our democracy be present at any State occasion commemorating the event.