The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended the government’s decision to host a commemoration ceremony for the Royal Irish Constabulary at Dublin Castle later this month, by stating that the country as a State should be mature enough to acknowledge all aspects of our past.
The Taoiseach who took to Twitter to defend the hosting of the ceremony, also said the country should respect all traditions on our island and should acknowledge all aspects of our past.
Although the Taoiseach has stated that the ceremony isn’t about condoning what happened in the past, he reiterated it was about remembering the State’s history
The Taoiseach’s comments come after the ceremony which is due to take place at Dublin Castle on January 17th, drew widespread criticism from opposition parties, the public and Dublin City Council.
The hosting of the event has led to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to state that the hosting of such an event was an insult to those who fought for Irish freedom.
Meanwhile Dublin City Council have voted overwhelmingly in favour to boycott the event calling it obscene and stating that it dishonours generations of patriots who struggled to end centuries of imperial tyranny.
The RIC/DMP commemoration is not a celebration. It’s about remembering our history, not condoning what happened. We will also remember the terrible burning of Cork, Balbriggan, partition and the atrocities of the Civil War.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 7, 2020
We should respect all traditions on our island and be mature enough as a State to acknowledge all aspects of our past.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 7, 2020
