Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

In light of the comments made on the weekend's announcement, it is sad that there is division on what should be a great national celebration. The Taoiseach is entitled to make public announcements wherever he sees fit; there is a precedent. It is ironic that last weekend our neighbours in Great Britain celebrated a military event of 200 years ago, the Battle of Trafalgar, in which Lord Nelson who passed away in that battle defeated the French and the Spanish. Nobody suggested there was an element of triumphalism about it. It is part of the fabric of its history and traditions.