Speech to 1916 Relatives Association

The 1916 Rising was a pivotal moment in Irish history. Pearse and Connolly, as the leaders of the Republican and Labour movements, came together in Easter Week to proclaim a free Irish republic in which the egalitarian idea was centrally enshrined. This rebellion laid the groundwork for the nation we know today, making its remembrance natural and nationally important.

I’m thrilled to have been invited by the 1916 Relatives Association, who have kept the memory of the Easter Rebellion alive for generations. Many of you here today have been actively involved all your lives in honouring your relatives’ sacrifices and the spirit of 1916, even when it wasn’t easy, especially during the era of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Even in 2006, when I decided to reinstate the traditional Easter parade to mark the 90th anniversary, it sparked controversy. However, the overwhelmingly supportive public response showed that 1916 isn’t just about a particular group’s memory; it’s about celebrating Ireland’s courageous past, but also about renewing and committing to values that can shape this island’s future.

Your work in commemorating the 1916 Rising helps underpin our underlying, wider commitment as a community, as set out in the Proclamation, to ensure that this “Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens” and also that we, as a people, continue to “resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally.

The 1916 Relatives Association has served Irish society and these noble aims tirelessly, offering valuable insights into commemorative politics. History isn’t just about understanding the past but also learning from it. That is why the Relatives Association recognises that in commemorating the seismic events 1916, we honour those who gave so much for our independence. But we also owe it to future generations to leave them a country that values dedication, generosity, and commitment.

Today, no single political party or grouping can claim ownership of the events of 1916, underlining the inclusive national spirit it embodies. Sean Lemass, in his reflections on 1916, always emphasised his pride in fighting alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds. He mentioned figures like James Connolly from the Irish Labour Movement, future Provisional Government leader Michael Collins, and Desmond Fitzgerald, who later became a minister in Cumann na nGaedhael and fathered a future Taoiseach.

Lemass held the view that regardless of later political affiliations, the accomplishments of all participants in the struggle for independence should be honoured. I share this belief strongly and I know you do too. As we enter the second century since the Rising, our actions should promote inclusivity, ensuring that commemoration unites people across different backgrounds rather than becoming a divisive political tool.

In the early years of the State, bitterness from the Civil War led to divisive commemorations, with attempts to manipulate the memory of 1916 for narrow political gain. However, in our more mature democracy, there’s hope that all parties recognise Ireland’s history as belonging to every Irish person, transcending political agendas.

Any truly national commemoration of our independence should honour both the statesmen who founded the Free State and those who remained loyal to the Republic, acknowledging them all as patriots with the shared goal of national freedom through different means. Asking “which side would you have been on?” overlooks the complexity of personal experiences and connections that influenced people’s actions. What’s important now is to appreciate their idealism and the legacy they left for us to build upon.

Since 1916, Ireland has progressed significantly, allowing us to view history holistically rather than through a narrow or partisan lens.

In our pursuit of reconciliation and a shared future for all on this island, it’s crucial to acknowledge the historical contribution and tradition of Unionists. Thanks to a more inclusive approach to writing history, there’s a growing mutual respect for both traditions.

Sean Lemass, in 1966, highlighted the honorable and motivated purpose of many young Irish people, both Unionist and Nationalist, who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. This aspect of our history also cannot be overlooked.

Today, we should view 1916 as an inspiration to empower the people of this island to realise their potential. Leaders like Pearse and Connolly aimed for Irish freedom to shape a better future for all. Even now, as we move past the centenary of the Rising, this remains a guiding principle. While it’s important to recognise and celebrate achievements, our greatest challenge is to stay focused on shaping a better future together.

The recent surge in public interest in 1916, particularly during the Decade of Centenaries, demonstrates that our history can be utilised as a unifying and guiding force rather than a divisive one. I understand and appreciate that it is in this spirit that the Relatives Association aims to carry forward their efforts and pass on both a distinguished family and communal legacy to the next generation.

The men and women of Easter 1916 sacrificed their lives so that Ireland could achieve freedom. The generations that followed deployed that freedom to promote peace globally through the efforts of our Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hEireann. Our own generation furthered this cause by supporting peace and reconciliation at home through the historic vote for the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Now, we envision a future where the next generation of Irish citizens can confidently build upon the foundations of prosperity and peace laid before them, making their own contributions both domestically and internationally. As a country, we have much to be proud of and reasons to be optimistic.

As we gaze into the future, it’s essential to foster generosity and inclusivity so that all people of Ireland can coexist harmoniously, both among ourselves and with our neighbours in Great Britain and the European Union, based on friendship, respect, equality, and partnership. Every day, in every corner of Ireland, we must also strive for peace, justice, prosperity, and reconciliation among all who cherish this remarkable island.

Today, the focus is on reconciliation rather than rebellion, and peace instead of sectarian conflict. We’re moving towards a shared future built on democratic consensus, replacing the conflicts of the past.

Reflecting on the past 108 years since 1916, we can confidently say that successive generations have honoured the sacrifices of those who participated in Easter Week. However, new challenges lie ahead—challenges of success, prosperity, and, most importantly, challenges to our core values.

Today, patriotism entails not just safeguarding individual rights but also being keenly aware of community needs. While individual rights are crucial and deserve protection, Ireland must also cultivate a strong sense of duty and community. Our rights empower us, but our responsibilities to each other remind us to be considerate.

It’s genuine mutual respect that lays the foundation for a truly resilient society.

In wording the proclamation, Pearse reflected on the nature of citizenship and he inspirationally wrote: “The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman.” I believe Irish citizenship entails both rights and responsibilities that cannot be delegated or ignored. As citizens of this Republic, we must embrace tolerance, respect for diverse perspectives, civic duty, and openness to newcomers making Ireland their home, in accordance with a fair immigration policy.

Ireland has thankfully always boasted a rich tradition of citizen engagement across all aspects of national life and culture. Even during times of limited state resources, it was the commitment of the Irish people that often provided essential social services, community leadership, and vibrant cultural and sporting activities.

It’s essential for our political leaders to continually evaluate how public policies encourage greater participation in community life. As we approach the quarter-century mark of the 21st century, addressing issues like political extremism, excessive reliance on technology in personal interactions, and social exclusion are fundamental to fulfilling our civic duty. Increased engagement at the grassroots level will lead to a more responsive and inclusive society that meets the needs of all our people.

The men and women of 1916 understood that society is not an abstract concept; it’s shaped by our actions and choices as citizens. We can passively watch as this new Ireland unfolds, hoping for the best, or we can follow in the footsteps of the patriots we commemorate today, dedicating ourselves to creating a better future for our descendants.

As a united people, we can best reimagine how to maintain a society built on solidarity rather than selfishness.

Globally, 1916 was one of the most violent years in human history as battles raged across continents, leaving landscapes scarred by devastation and the carnage inflicted by massive armies resulted in millions of casualties in brutal trench warfare. The reality of devastating wars today both in Ukraine and in Gaza remind us that the horrors of large-scale conflict continue to haunt humanity.

We are very lucky to live on an island that has experienced a sustained period of peace and this obliges us, in turn, as a nation to try to reach out to the victims of war. As a nation, we have a responsibility to advocate for peace and to foster improved international relations. We must strive, whoever is in government, to be a voice of reason, diplomacy, and cooperation on the global stage, promoting dialogue and understanding between nations.

Thankfully, few, if any, of us will ever be asked to die for our country. At Easter, a time of remembrance, reconciliation and renewal, we should remember our parents and grandparents, the living generations who succeeded Pearse, Connolly, Clarke, Ceannt, MacDiarmada, MacDonagh and Plunkett and helped to build up an island of peace, prosperity and progress. All of our relatives honoured their country by the lives they lived and by the sacrifices they made for their families and for Ireland – sacrifices they made for us, the generations who succeeded them.

We, in our time, have a duty to honour the dead generations who have gone before us, but also have an obligation to vindicate the living generations who will come after us, to leave to them an Ireland that will continue to improve and offer a better life to the next generation.

Peace is the foundation for future progress on this island. My experience has taught me that the modern peace process was a success because there was a broad acceptance by the parties involved in the conflict that the status quo was untenable and that some form of agreement was in everybody’s interests. In 1920, at the time of the Government of Ireland Act, unionists and nationalists were poles apart from agreement. Southern unionists were reluctantly prepared to accept a form of devolved Home Rule as they feared a republic, but Ulster unionists were not prepared to countenance any agreement that met nationalist aspirations. Ultimately, Lloyd George’s Government drew a line on the map based on crude demographics.

It was an imposed sectarian headcount that partitioned Ireland and, going forward, the last thing this island needs is another sectarian headcount. Right now, it is not helpful to have premature demands for a border poll. In my view, the time for a border poll is not opportune until we reach a situation where nationalists and republicans and also a sizeable amount of unionists and loyalists are in favour of such a poll on the basis of consent. That, in my view, is still some years away.

Another lesson I have learned is that being inclusive in our approach to history and to commemoration paid dividends on the path to peace and this can also sustain and progress reconciliation.

The late Dr Ian Paisley, who became a good friend of mine and a valued partner in peace, respected the work we were doing in honouring the unionist tradition in our history and this helped to break down barriers. On my last day as Taoiseach, I was honoured to be joined at the official opening of an interpretative centre at the site of the Battle of the Boyne by Ian as the then First Minister of Northern Ireland. I can still recall his wise words on that occasion when he said “The killing times must be ended forever and no tolerance must be given to any who advocate their return.” My final words in my speech on that occasion were “Let us be reconciled with each other. Let us be friends. Let us live in peace.” I pray that these messages continue to resonate throughout our island, north and south, east and west.

History and commemoration have intrinsic academic and societal value and a keen understanding of it is very relevant to building progress. Put simply, in trying to shape the future, we need our young people to understand the past and also learn from it. The next landmark anniversary of the rising will be 2041, which will mark the 125th anniversary of the Easter Rebellion.

In concluding this evening’s reflection on the significance of the 1916 Rising and its enduring legacy, I think it’s evident to all if us that the spirit of Easter Week continues to resonate within our collective national consciousness. Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new era, it is crucial that we harness the lessons of our past to shape a forward-looking vision for the future.

The dedication and commitment of the 1916 Relatives Association, along with all those who have tirelessly preserved the memory of the Rising, serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. These efforts remind us that commemorating our history isn’t merely about paying homage to the past; it’s about reaffirming our commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and freedom that lie at the heart of the Irish Republic.

As we embark on the journey towards the 125th anniversary of the Easter Rebellion in 2041, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our shared values and aspirations as a nation. Let us continue to strive for inclusivity, reconciliation, and peace, both within our own communities and on the global stage.

Just as the leaders of 1916 dared to envision a future of possibility and hope, so too must we dare to dream of a more prosperous, harmonious, and equitable Ireland for generations to come. By embracing the spirit of unity and resilience that defined Easter Week, we can lay the groundwork for a future that honours the sacrifices of the past while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

Thank you.