Seanad debates
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Arts Plan: Statements
He wrote wonderful, understandable Irish, much of it describing Connemara, and he was an inspirational figure. It was through his writing that he inspired people, as did the other signatories and many others. This must be seen to be a great commemorative event. We must acknowledge the military aspect but it is so much bigger than that. These people were inspired, although they had no hope of winning the engagement. They were opposing a powerful empire but they made a major statement for our country and our culture and history inspired all of them to give their lives for all of us. We must appreciate their contribution to the country and we must start to do that as soon as possible. The Senator and Senator White are on the committee. It is important that there is a wider engagement beyond the committee and perhaps I will come back to the House when we formulate the strategy for the celebration and commemoration of 1916 for ideas on how we can approach it in a broad way that ensures inclusivity for all of us.
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