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Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Poll: Should the Royal Family attend Easter Rising centenary commemorations?

Queen Elizabeth II hinted at the possibility in a speech during the recent State visit to the UK by President Michael D Higgins.

A READING OF the Proclamation and a laying of a wreath by the President will form part the ceremony planned today to mark the 98th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Preparations are already under-way for the centenary commemorations in 2016, which a member of the British Royal Family could potentially attend.

Queen Elizabeth II hinted at it in a speech during the recent State visit to the United Kingdom by President Michael D Higgins, with the Taoiseach saying he would like her to attend.

We want to know what you think: Should the Royal Family attend the centenary commemorations of the Easter Rising?


Poll Results:

No (4805)
Yes (3883)
I don't know (848)

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166 Comments
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    Mute Shayno ZO
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:03 AM

    No, simply because it would end up being about the royals, the real heros would not get the full focus that they deserve, as the last bastion of Irish to care enough to try to effect real change.
    The absence of their altruistic genes is very evident in today’s Ireland.

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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:48 AM

    A rising that was about sovereign freedom and the rights of all to be cherished equally. Having a Monarch at it? Is it a joke?

    Get a Minister if they want a British presence but the royal family, who owe everything that have to being born to certain parents is really pissing down on the commemoration and all it stood for.

    286
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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:36 PM

    They certainly got a better inheritance deal than you Seanie. FF to core.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:17 PM

    A mid-ranking royal, amongst other international dignitaries, would not take much focus away from the main event..

    17
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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:31 PM

    Prince Harry?

    9
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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:30 PM

    They’d probably send Waity Katie and the whole celebration (including Irish media coverage) would become all about her bloody hat!

    32
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    Mute Harry Price
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    Apr 21st 2014, 2:52 AM

    price harry yes

    1
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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Apr 21st 2014, 12:33 PM

    I was only jesting, but seeing as he’s no blood relative to the royals, he’d be perfect!!

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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:05 AM

    I’m a Brit living in a Dublin and Monarchist.
    While appreciating the thoughts behind the idea of having a member of the Royal Family present is wrong.
    I’m not even sure that a member of the British Government has a place. Possibly to pay tribute to the memory of the fallen “brave foes” but otherwise no.
    Now when the centenary of Independence comes around that’s different.
    But for the Easter Rising no.

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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:18 AM

    A monarchist – i’ve always wondered my someone would give their hard earned money to people to live in absolute and opulent luxury – do not get elected or have to answer to the people – and then to have zero say in government. As Lieutenant Frank Drebbin said ‘…for not matter how ludicrous the idea of having a Queen is to us; As Americans we must be gracious….”.

    As for the debate on whether Elizabeth Windsor or her inbred German Off-Spring should visit for commemoration well no – despite what SF would have us believe there is a still a part of Ireland under British rule… so until the objectives of 1916 are met – well i think it inappropriate (i’m not advocating armed struggle btw – i’m just pointing out the fact that those who died in 1916 did so for a reason and that reason has not yet been realised).

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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:31 AM

    Interesting red-thumb conundrum in the above post as two parties have been slighted – the monarchists and Sinn Féin – at least they can support each other…. who would have believed it? My name is Inigo Montoya.

    50
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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:49 AM

    Indigo
    I am not going to get involved in a discussion/arguement with you or anyone else about Monarchies. Would be nice though if you could respect my beliefs as I do yours. Thank you.

    132
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    Mute Bobby Fox
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:56 AM

    Why respect someone’s beliefs when they are wrong? Grow a thicker skin.

    69
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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:59 AM

    That should get you lots of green thumbs there Steve. If you give us a cúpla focal you’re likely to get comment of the week (we Irish love that – really gets the tears flowing).

    I’m only being facetious there Steve… i respect you being a monarchist i just don’t understand it.

    59
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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:01 AM

    You forgot about the good Friday agreement.

    7
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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:04 AM

    What about it gerbreen?

    19
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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:17 AM

    Voted by the people. A united Ireland can now be determined by the people. Plus the south is broken.

    It’s not an occupation

    15
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:17 AM

    Interesting theory.. but independence itself is generally not celebrated as there are differing opinions on its actual date.. 1916 Proclamation, 1920 Goverment of Ireland Act, 1921 Post-Treaty Free State (leading to civil war), 1937 Constitution, 1949 Republic of Ireland Act? There is then of course the nationalist argument that Ireland is yet not fully independent due to NI.

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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:28 AM

    @Gerbreen – ah that’s a good one. You taking the Sinn Féin Kool-aid? there is no change now than there was in 1969. Partition is as strong as ever, sectarianism is ingrained in law… articles 2 and 3 don’t even have a claim on it. The Union is as strong as ever. As for occupation well – if there was need for an army on the streets which would be called? – no its not a classic occupation but the British secretary of state is the most important figure in the north and No.10 downing street picks up the tab for an inflated ‘democracy’ and civil service – an nonviable state made viable through the British taxpayer… it is a failed entity that cannot sustain itself into the future… how could any state be run in such a manner?

    The IRA campaign failed…and all those volunteers in the intervening war years died for little more than Sunningdale… a tragedy really but c’est la vie. We must move on however with what we have.. and the GFA is the only show in town for right or wrong.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:29 AM

    Of course Inigo I now see I was on wrong conversation!

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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:27 PM

    What I don’t understand is how some commentators feel the need to completely dismiss someones beliefs in a public forum, yet don’t have the balls do it in their own name.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 4:16 PM

    Surely 2 failed states on one island can’t best be rectified through unification? Well not at this time. Things are very different from 1969 in many ways. Articles 2 and 3 were aspirational. I think Ireland will unite some day but political and economical situations need to align and that won’t happen anytime soon.

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    Mute Tony Kennedy
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:23 PM

    If one agrees with the idea of a “Head of State” it doesn’t really matter if its a monarch or a President. It still costs money and essentially do the same thing.

    I am a Republican, and I have reservations about Royals being involved in 1916 commemorations. (Because I see it as dilution of the cause as opposed being “anti-Royal”). But I can understand the affinity British people have for their Queen. On the whole Royals represent Britain quite well and rarely do anything to cause (serious) offence. Plus there is a historical tradition. Being honest I like the spectacle also.

    I would go as far as saying its anti-Republican to disparage people who choose to support the Royals. Its all about choice after all.

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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:57 PM

    Tony,
    Thank you I prefer a Monarch to a President. Monarchy gibes more continuity.
    Fully agree most Presidencys like Monarchs are Heads of state.
    Anyone who prefers Resident to Monarch fair play to you it’s your choice.

    5
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    Mute Judyann Haney
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    Apr 21st 2014, 10:56 AM

    Offence, is a choice. Unless your a troll on assignment to disrupt to forward motion of the conversation.

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    Mute Diolúin ÓhUigínn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:05 AM

    The men of 1916 fought for an independent republic free from foreign rule, to invite the head of the monarchy they fought against flies in the face of their sacrifice.

    The 100th anniversary should be held for Irish citizens. Not monarchs and politicians.

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    Mute Pat Byrne
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:35 AM

    1916 was a mistake Look where we are now 180000 mortgage irish people slaves to the Irish Republic
    The heroes of 1916 are turning in there graves.

    29
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    Mute Thomas O' Donnell
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:54 AM

    I don’t think that they shouldn’t, I just find the idea bizarre. “And here, your majesty, is where this young man, who couldn’t stand, had to be sat down to be shot by British soldiers”. I just wonder what the point is! It would be like Man Utd winning the league last season and inviting the Man City squad to the party!

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    Mute Allan O'Riordan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:58 AM

    Double negative there. I don’t think they shouldn’t….

    13
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    Mute Pat Byrne
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:53 PM

    Well it’s a pity that his shooting was for nothing

    4
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    Mute Daniel Whyte
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:54 AM

    They shoud stay well away, none of there business really, and if any of them went the heightened security would stop ordinary irish people getting anywhere near the Gpo or the likes of to take part!!

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    Mute Seaneen O Fraudin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:28 AM

    Was there any need to say ordinary Irish people? The Irish are extra-ordinary. I think the English are fools for embracing this royalty Bullsh!t but I suppose they’ve no choice, we’re all equal. Anyway no they should watch it at home if they’re that keen to see it.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:35 AM

    The Irish that vote FF and FG again and again?

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    Mute Seaneen O Fraudin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:41 AM

    Yes.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:57 AM

    That is extra ordinary alright.

    19
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    Mute Tom
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:45 AM

    Seaneen@ glad to see you’ve finally realized we are all equals

    5
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    Mute White Fang
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:59 AM

    The same can be said of the British, that vote for the Tories and Labour again and again.

    21
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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:34 PM

    Till recently thought Tories and Labour were right / left wing.

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    Mute Alan Gregory
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:04 AM

    We don’t commemorate these people or occasion enough, and to invite English royalty or ministers would only diminish what those people fought for. We are loosing our Irish identity too much these days, and to say the past is in the past in non sense. We can all get along but we can’t forget our history.

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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:06 PM

    The people who go on about maturing as a nation, moving on from the past always are on the one page on Irish Independence. They consider progress as only in terms of Irish people not being proud of those who died for our freedom and basic rights.

    For all the fawning and weak legged brown nosing in the reporting of the Royal visit and the State visit there was little mention of the almighty piss pulling of Micheal D in England.

    28
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    Mute Paul McNevin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:48 AM

    Inviting them to commemorate the hanging of brave Irishmen, ridiculous.

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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:53 AM

    No it’s not. It was 100 years ago and the present Queen had nothing to do with it. Stop loving in the past.

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    Mute brains for rocks
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:53 AM

    Hanging? The leaders of 1916 were executed by firing squad. Get your facts right before having a rant

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    Mute Irish Revolution
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:55 AM

    The present queen of england was the commander in chief of the British army murdered 14 innocent civilians in Derry.

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    Mute John Smith
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:06 AM

    It will completely take away from what we are trying to commemorate all attention will be on these royals

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    Mute Inigo Montoya
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:29 AM

    @irish Revolution – and her large eared off-spring is head of the Parachute Regiment – who as yet has not apologised for the conduct of his ‘soldiers’ that day… but sure what different does that make it would be impolite to question our British peers especially since they pay the wages of ‘republicans’ in Stormont…tally-ho !

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    Mute paulanthony
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:54 PM

    We invited the troike ! can’t see the problem with our nearest neibhour attending a historical event that it had a hand in developing.

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    Mute Bronagh Kirk
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:03 AM

    It would be totally inappropriate on this occasion to have any member of the British royal family in attendance .

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    Mute Tommy Whelan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:55 AM

    1916 is about the people that took part in it . More Irish people fought in a British uniform that day and some paid with there life’s fighting for the crown . It’s only right that someone from the royal family should attend and show there respect for the falling on both sides .

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    Mute Knocknaheeny Hollyhill
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:03 AM

    It would be an insult to the memory of those who lost their lives.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:59 AM

    Surely we have already done that ourselves. Country is stone broke and can’t afford these celebrations which will be hijacked politically.

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    Mute Joe Corleone
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:08 AM

    Seems its against the wishes of the people and rightly so,we better get ready for a Royal visit then.. the whole centenary event should be about paying tribute to the brave men and women of 1916, but all the talking will be about how the Brits took back Dublin, again, even for just a couple of days if this Royal visit does happen.

    To the Field General Court Martial, held at Dublin Castle, on May 9th, 1916:

    I do not wish to make any defence except against charges of wanton cruelty to prisoners. These trifling allegations that have been made, if they record facts that really happened deal only with the almost unavoidable incidents of a hurried uprising against long established authority, and nowhere show evidence of set purpose to wantonly injure unarmed persons.

    We went out to break the connection between this country and the British Empire, and to establish an Irish Republic. We believed that the call we then issued to the people of Ireland, was a nobler call, in a holier cause, than any call issued to them during this war, having any connection with the war. We succeeded in proving that Irishmen are ready to die endeavouring to win for Ireland those national rights which the British Government has been asking them to die to win for Belgium. As long as that remains the case, the cause of Irish freedom is safe.

    Believing that the British Government has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland, and never can have any right in Ireland, the presence, in any one generation of Irishmen, of even a respectable minority, ready to die to affirm that truth, makes that Government for ever a usurpation and a crime against human progress.

    I personally thank God that I have lived to see the day when thousands of Irish men and boys, and hundreds of Irish women and girls, were ready to affirm that truth, and to attest it with their lives if need be.

    JAMES CONNOLLY,
    Commandant-General, Dublin Division,
    Army of the Irish Republic

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:08 PM

    Thanks for posting Joe. Its heartbreaking to see the party of Connolly sacrificed at the altar of gilmore and rabbits greed.

    We needed a Connolly to lead us out of this mess, we got a Dubya minus the charisma.

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    Mute Joe Corleone
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:14 PM

    You can bet your bottom dollar if the spirit of the seven signatories was kept alive to this day we would not be in the mess we are now.

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:14 PM

    Correct. Can’t imagine Pearse obediently having his head rubbed by a 5ft tall frenchman in front of the worlds media.

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    Mute Dermot Griffin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:49 AM

    Yes and they should apologise for what they did to the Irish

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    Mute Ian Carty
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:06 AM

    Its an Irish thing and for visitors from afar but inappropriate with the Crown. Security alone would be a problem for crowds and crowd control so no. Nothing personal but we should bow to the rebels and not to that woman.

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    Mute O'Reilly
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:14 AM

    Ian, would ya not move on? It’s all in the past…

    11
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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:56 AM

    Monarchies belong to the past.

    Lot of English people see how inappropriate it would be to have her at it.

    It is as warped an idea as making her patron of the English Republican movement. The deranged and fawning mind of Kenny just wants an ass to lick.

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    Mute Ian Carty
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:07 PM

    O’Reilly : maybe the Queen should quit wearing gloves and hug and kiss and act Irish here. Afterall, that bowing is all in the past. That institution is fraudulent and tolerating it on a solemn occasion that fought that institution would be disgusting

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:13 PM

    @ o’lielly: “Ian, would ya not move on? It’s all in the past…”

    Says the bloke who turns every mention of SF into smarmy political point scoring remarks about incidents that happened 30+ years ago.

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    Mute john bissett
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:11 AM

    There will be people out looking to start trouble if that happened plus the city will be on lockdown like when the Queen visited last so Why ruin a good day it’s not like the Royals give a flying f**k if they get a invite or not.

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    Mute mel finn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:55 AM

    Yes, put their seats in the courtyard of kilmainham

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    Mute Stephen Geoghegan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:10 AM

    Don’t have to be a staunch republican to see that it wouldn’t be worth the riots, regardless of how we should move on. I’m all for progress but the cost of security and probable damages from protests isn’t worth it.

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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:52 AM

    Nothing to do with Monarchies can be called progress.

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    Mute TOP CAT
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:58 AM

    Sure lets go all out and invite the Easter bunny as well…..

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    Mute Bobby Fox
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:06 AM

    They must have been high on champagne when they invited British royalty to commemorate a republican revolution. Its cringeworthy forelock tugging and shows how unsure people are still about 1916(I’m ambivalent).
    Do the americans invite the Brits to celebrate independence day with them? People on the neighbouring island already think the war of independence was a bit of a lark and we’re all British really…

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    Mute Redmond Barry
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:50 PM

    The Queen was invited to America in 1976 for the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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    Mute Ben Smith
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:58 PM

    The Queen was invited to America in 1976 for the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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    Mute Dan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:19 AM

    For centuries the English murdered Irish men and women. They exploited this country for all it had and left the natives to starve. They justified it by creating the stereotype of the thick, ape-like, sub-human Irish person, in need of British civilisation.
    The Queen should be invited to every anniversary of 1916. She should be made stand and listen to the story of what her people did in this country and pay her respects to those who died to change it.

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    Mute Shane Ellis
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:22 AM

    Zzzzzzżzzxx

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    Mute Katie Cox
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:37 AM

    Wake up

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    Mute paulanthony
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:30 PM

    We have no problem exporting our youth on the hoof to the UK over the year’s.
    Yet we are in a state of superficial patriotism when it comes to recognising a dated sense of nationalism when it suits!

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    Mute Catherine Mill
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    Apr 21st 2014, 12:50 AM

    Ah but the Queen only obeys her master in Roma- the Pope.
    Donation of Constantine allows her to remain queen but only on the say so of the Pope.
    Have a look at the pictures of Pope in the City of London with the Queen. Its all there symbolically. His hand over hers.
    People need to learn the real his story and not the propaganda in the books.

    Remember it was Pope Adrian 1V who gave Eire, her land and people as slaves to King Henry 11 to keep us under control for being too spiritual a race with a justice system like no other.

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    Mute Tom Ryan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:20 AM

    When the state of Israel invites the the Nazi party to March in jerusalem would be the appropriate time to invite representatives of our former masters to the republic I live in.

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    Mute Eoin Milner
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:27 AM

    You’d be very surprised at how much in common the state of Israel and nazi Germany actually has….

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    Mute Ciarán de Gallaidhe
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:12 AM

    While the Republic remains a mere vision, it is entirely inappropriate for a British royal to attend the main commemoration. Easter 2016 should be concerned with the Irish Republic, not the British monarchy. A more appropriate occasion for a visit would be November 11 2016.

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    Mute Bill Rooney
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:02 AM

    In 2113, we’ll still be seeing anti-British posts like these. Very sad, some are simply unable to move on.

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    Mute Gavin Lawlor
    Favourite Gavin Lawlor
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:22 AM

    I’m not anti British but I think it’s a terrible idea. Can you grasp that concept?

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:16 PM

    “In 2113, we’ll still be seeing anti-British posts like these”

    Nice set of crystal balls you have there bill…

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    Mute cosmological
    Favourite cosmological
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:02 AM

    Holding grudges, albeit justified, doesn’t advance reconciliation – just get over it.

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    Mute Larry L'Oiseau
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:12 AM

    ‘Getting over it’ does not have to include this tiring fascination the media (including the Journo) has with this family.

    For all our shouting and roaring in our recent history about the Brits it only took us just 100 years exactly to rediscover our love affair with the British royal family.
    We now can’t seem to get enough if them.
    Making friends again with the neighbours does not mean having them in for tea every night or constantly telling everyone who will listen how wonderful they are.

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    Mute Eoin Milner
    Favourite Eoin Milner
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:21 AM

    Well said! It’s the year 2014, the time for rolling around in horse drawn carriages like it’s the 18th century is long gone.

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    Mute Ken Fallon
    Favourite Ken Fallon
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:20 AM

    ALL IRISH POLITICIANS SHOULD NOT BE THERE, THEY ARE TRAITORS FOR WHAT THE MEN AND WOMAN DIED FOR

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    Mute Stephen Cumbers
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:30 AM

    Just the one woman ?

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:56 AM

    Yeah.
    Constance Markievicz.

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    Mute Stephen Cumbers
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:07 AM

    Constance Markievicz died in 1916 ? And they didn’t bury her til 1927 ??

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    Mute Ken Fallon
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:15 AM

    stephen, you know what I mean dick head ” women “

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    Mute Stephen Cumbers
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:22 AM

    Your lack of the use of commas is appalling. Are you saying that the women who died in 1916 are dick heads ?

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    Mute Liam Ó Séicspéir
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:25 AM

    What are “dick head women”?

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    Mute David Nicholls
    Favourite David Nicholls
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:57 PM

    My Grandfather fought to free this country from British rule and i am not a big Republician but i know he would be turning in his grave knowing that the day to remember who he fought so hard against would be there standing outside the GPO again. I beg the goverment not to go ahead with there invite in respect of my family and every other man and womens family that fought that day. It will end up with the royals getting attention and will cause probably riots. Please make this day for the people who fought for our freedom.

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
    Favourite Mr.Phil.Officer
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    Apr 20th 2014, 3:13 PM

    Well said David.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:09 AM

    If the French and Germans can stand together at commemorations of Verdun and D-Day then surely we can do likewise.

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    Mute Ian Carty
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:24 AM

    Yes but the German’s didn’t rob and rape France for 800yrs!

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:48 AM

    You’re right, they just killed millions and millions of each other’s citizens in 3 wars over the last 150 years. If we’re going 800 years back, why not go the full millennium and throw the Scandinavians onto the pile for Clontarf #boycottikea

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    Mute Ian Carty
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:00 AM

    Bloody Sunday et al in recent history. The Irish are still affected by the Crown. Security and logistics would be a disaster for that weapon. Wear your poppy for 2016 commemorating whatever but for the Rising she would cause riots.

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    Mute Kev
    Favourite Kev
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:30 PM

    The French & Germans are grown ups. Reading the comments above shows how childish a nation we really are.

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    Mute Green Burqa
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:02 AM

    No would be like bringing the fox back to the hen house for a remembrence

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    Mute Poison Lemon
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:22 AM

    I suspect this is to try and keep 1916 commemorations by being hijacked by republicans. There is an ambiguity here. Our state was born out of violence and bloodshed yet we’ve been trying to stop the same thing happening in the north.

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    Mute Danny Gallagher
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:32 AM

    As much I was very proud of recent events in London with our president and I very much welcomed the Queen to Ireland on her visit, I however feel that “ royal ” presence would overshadow the real reason to commemorate our independence and the Irish people would not be able move freely in the city due to a lock-down for security reasons. Come over the week after if ya like!

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    Mute Marcus Dowling
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:21 AM

    Do you remember when she came last time? While it was great for both countries to prove that we can move on from the horrible past,it was a media frenzy… The security for her and oul Phil alone was madness. If she came to the rising celebration it would take away from what the day is actually about. It would about what she said,did,wearing, shook hands with and ate for breakfast. When it should be a day when we as a country look back on the men who knew they couldn’t win but still took up the challenge and started something that would eventually lead to our freedom… How brave they were. How we will never see the likes of them again. Days like that are rare enough with us Irish, that day we should leave the FF/FG/SF at home and celebrate as a Nation. Irishmen and Irishwomen proud and free….

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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:15 PM

    Lot of people want to take away from the commemoration and what the Rising was about.

    “religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens”.

    cherish “all the children of the nation equally”.

    They are still revolutionary concepts and FG and Lab. sweat at night over them.

    Some drama over a Royal family that enshrines in law the exclusion of Catholics and that some people are superior by birth to all others is a welcome distraction for them.

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    Mute Joe Curran
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:10 AM

    i tell you what when they’re finished here they can go to moscow the following year and celebrate with the russians the execution of their own family members in the October revolution ….after all its time to stop living in the past and let bygones be bygones ….poppy anybody?

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:46 AM

    Let a royalty of Cromwell extraction turn up.

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    Mute Stan Stynes
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:08 AM

    The same Cromwell that had the King Charles I beheaded and began a democracy?

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:49 AM

    Yup that’s the one. It would be interesting.

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:50 AM

    Oh and the same one that travelled the countryside.

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    Mute Patrick J. O'Rourke
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:46 PM

    I have the appropriate avatar to drop ‘em a line. And before anyone lashes out at me about Cromwell’s well documented desire for genocide (“extirpate the Irish”) my avatar is not Cromwell. It’s a certain planter of that period who murdered a good few of my family and took the land under a royal grant. I just liked the irony of playing the part and the effect the imagery had on people. This fella just did what we did, but did it better as he had a PhD in scorched earth from his studies in Europe under Godolphus. I digress..

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    Mute Patrick J. O'Rourke
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:56 PM

    That should have read gustavus adolphus . A bit before Android and Swiftkey’s time…

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    Mute Ben Smith
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:13 PM

    Cromwell was the first Republican in Ireland, he came to Ireland to extirpate Royalists who had supported Charles I. So unless Royalists constitute an ethnic group then the genocide argument doesn’t hold water. Sure an Irishman even played Cromwell in the 1970 film about his life, great film by the way.

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    Mute Seosamh Mac An Tsagairt
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:34 PM

    The same Cromwell who murdered 25 percent of this nation’s people

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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:06 PM

    The samevCromwell who sacked Ripon and Pontefract sacking of cities which had resistedvwascab accepted part of warfare in thos days, Cromwell may he rot in hell treated ThecIrish Royalist towns the same way he did Royalist towns elsewhere,
    This particular Civil War was nothing to do with Irish vs English it was Royalist vs Parliamentarian

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    Mute John A Murphy
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:37 PM

    personally i have no issue with the royal family and i very much welcome the events like the state visit of the queen to ireland and that of the irish president to UK, but i am not comfortable about a senior member of the royal family being a part of the 1916 commemorations on easter sunday or easter monday – if they wish to come at some other stage that week, then fine – but not those days . why? because these are two days i think should be an irish commemoration to irish patriots. there is no doubt that the rising was badly planned, badly executed etc, but the fact that it was the most successful step ever to realising the independance that ireland had longed for – it took executions, consciption threats, civil war, anglo irish war to finalise the shape of what we have become – but this was the first blow. its a time to remember that brave episode in our history and it should be focused on the heros, their families, supporters, the people of dublin and ireland who lived through these confused times.
    Having a royal presence over these two days will take the focus away completely from what we are commemorating. the forces of state will be tied up in providing security for the royals, there will be extra barriers, the international press will be focused on the royals – and the real legacy of the rising will be overlooked.
    by all means if they want to attend an ecumenical service during the week then fine – but they should not be on any podium on easter reviewing parades etc. there is a time and a place for inviting senior representatives from other countries to share in commemoration ceremonies but i dont think its appropriate to have them at this one.

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    Mute Robert Loughran
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:01 PM

    The brits started this discussion once again demonstrating a complete lack of comprehension of all matters relating to Ireland and the Irish. They are not welcome and must not be invited under any circumstance.

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    Mute Tommy Whelan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:19 PM

    1916 was just one of many reasons why Ireland became an independent country . As I said earlier more irish men fought in a British uniform on that day and they should be shown respect by someone of the royal family or head of government . This is not about what the people of today want it’s about the people that took part in the events of that day and all should be represented .

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    Mute Robin Basstard
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:31 AM

    Yes they should it would be great craic to see them in Ireland, i never miss their Christmas specials, Ricky Tomlinson is so funny.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:15 AM

    Ireland instead pays tribute to a handful of people who took it upon themselves to have a rising in Dublin, while forgetting the 140,000 Irishmen who died during WW1. Many of them died in 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. Shouldn’t the Queen at least honour the bravery of the forgotten heroes instead, while the Irish turn there back on them.

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    Mute Rory Flood
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:30 AM

    It’s the Easter Rising, not the the Battle of the Somme. Besides, there’s Remembrance Day for all the Great War commemorations. If you want to commemorate the Great War and the Irish dead in that, do it on the designated day. If you want to commemorate the beginning of the end of British rule in most of Ireland, then it’s Easter.

    Think it’s a joke and an insult to invite any member of the British royal family.

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    Mute O Swetenham
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:10 AM

    How have they been forgotten Chris? Every year we’re inundated with articles about how we shouldn’t forget about how thousands of Irishmen fought in WW1. With 140,000 Irishmen involved many people have grand parents or great grand parents who took part in the war, they certainly haven’t forgotten. We’re constantly being reminded “not to forget”

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:20 PM

    Rory, do you think that President Higgins was joking when he invited the Queen over for the 1916 commemorations, or do you think that it is time to grow up and show some respect to old foe’s and share in your country’s history.

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    Mute Colm McGuinness
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:29 PM

    Sure why don’t we invite the relatives of the British firing squads while we’re at it and apologise to them for subjecting their relatives to the trauma.

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    Mute Laura Hughes
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:51 PM

    Ad lovely as it is that were friends now, this is an important Irish historical event. Lets keep it that way.

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    Mute O'Reilly
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:05 AM

    Amazing. Anything remotely anti SF and you’re accused of living in the past, move on. This comes up and the shinnerbots bleat on about the past…

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    Mute Jimbo Murphy
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:21 AM

    Who would have thought that a centennial celebration would involve a discussion of the past!?

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    Mute Seosamh Mac An Tsagairt
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:39 PM

    O’Reilly are u willy frazer

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    Mute Yellow Buzzinfly
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:40 AM

    Why is everyone debating and complaining ?

    Ireland is not a country anyone It is a State and puppet of the EU and ‘Germany’. Wake up !

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    Mute Yellow Buzzinfly
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:42 AM

    Error : anymore not anyone ….

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    Mute Leigh Power
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:31 PM

    What do you think a country is?

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    Mute Cumidhe O'Fhloinn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:32 AM

    They should put up a big screen in Windsor castle, RTE could beam it in live, and she could watch from there. She could maybe send a wee message to all her loyal subjects in Ireland who yearn for the good ol’ days of Empire and Commonwealth

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    Mute Leo Ó Máirtín
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:40 PM

    Political correctness gone mad we get it we r all friends now but don’t have to invite them to every celebration we have!!

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    Mute Stephen Carrick
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:19 AM

    100 years ago stop living in the past and enjoy the future folks

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    Mute Michael McCarthy
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:15 PM

    Absolutely not. People giving out enough about the politicians they elect (who I assume are from diverse genetic stock attending) attending, why should we invite inbred, un-elected tools who never worked a day in their life to the commemorations ?

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:11 AM

    I don’t see why not.
    The past is just that. It’s the past.

    We are not in any way diminishing the memory of those who died fighting for our freedom.
    If anything, it will show that we have matured as a nation.

    To those of you who don’t like the idea, just think of it as a massive f*ck you to the British crown. They may have won that battle, but they lost the war.

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    Mute Barry Creed
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:40 AM

    Don’t see the point in them there? Nov 11 2016 would be more appropriate

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    Mute Patrick J. O'Rourke
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:51 AM

    Why not invite Betty Windsor and her dysfunctional tribe over for the gig? Start with a tour of Kilmainham jail and accidentally turn the key when they’re in the cells. Then keep them there until the commeration is over and give them tea and a Ryanair flight home. Anyway, there’s people with better historical claims to their jobs than they have. They’re German and our lives are run by Germans and their country fought the Germans twice. It’s all screwed up anyway. It’s probably best they don’t come, they look confused enough as it is.

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    Mute seamus mcdermott
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:30 AM

    Only if they drive their own cars, wear normal street clothes and clean up after all those bloody horses.

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:31 PM

    No, it would make the day all about the Royals, maybe the centenary of WW1 would be OK. I’m all for normal relations but this is a step to far. Let’s not bend over to much now. This should be about the people of Ireland. Maybe invite the First Minister down and put him on spot.

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    Mute Anthony Quinn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:35 AM

    Sure why not ask aunty lizzy to the
    Party..ask her nicely enough and she might let us back into our old room
    In the commonwealth
    Seeing as we didnt make the century
    Of independance as the white faced
    Mugabies flew the kip into the side
    Of a mountain

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    Mute LesBehan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:20 AM

    Jesus we are acting like a lovesick teenager,pathetic.

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    Mute Marlon Major
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:39 AM

    I understand the sensitive nature of this issue. The British, historically, have been the cause of much pain. However, a line must be drawn in the sand. The only way I believe the Royals should attend the 1916 commemoration, is the Royal Family truly take a backseat. For example, on the stage with other dignitaries… In a not so prominent area. NO speeches on the day… Just there for their support in a very passive role.

    Just like African-Americans in the US…. It’s time to forgive…. But seriously. .. Not forget.

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    Mute proudirishcalini
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    Apr 20th 2014, 12:09 PM

    And what about getting our country back . People still forget that there is still partition in ireland

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    Mute Cecilia Ní Choileáin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:38 PM

    No, they should not be invited. I have no particular hostility to representatives from any foreign country coming to Ireland and members of the English royal family, including the Queen of England have been in Ireland on many occasions before.

    That said, the centenary commemoration of the 1916 Rising is not an appropriate time for any of them to be here .There are many ideological and historical reasons for not inviting anyone from the English royal family, not least of which is that the message of the Rising was avowedly anti-imperial.

    The security arrangements alone would probably mean that Irish citizens would, once again, be treated as suspects on the streets of their own capital city which itself would probably have large sections to which the people would not have access.

    It is bad enough that we will have to endure the sight of various Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil politicians commemorating the Rising without a shred of irony to trouble them.

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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:01 PM

    Cecilia,
    Nicely said agree t

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    Mute FlopFlipU
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:21 AM

    We are not mature enough yet ,we are only coming to grips with the notion that we are a nation ,

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    Mute Gerry McNally
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    Apr 20th 2014, 5:52 PM

    Don’t understand the comments about living in the past whilst referring to a commemoration to honour just that ! If it annoys then don’t commemorate it, have nothing to do with it so. Most of the people commenting on this post have probably never attended a 1916 commemoration but as soon as the 100th anniversary comes around sure ye will all be plastic republicans remembering the bad old days and how We fought the English to their knees before partitioning the country. Get over yourselves will ya. The men and women who fought in 1916 are commemorated year after year in towns and villages throughout Ireland. Maybe if ye got up of your arses and lived and breath the proclamation that these men held so dear, you would truly understand the Ireland they aspired us to have. We have never seen their likes again, and unfortunately probably never will. Rest in peace bold visionaries and do not be too disappointed at how things turned out.

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    Mute tayto79
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    Apr 21st 2014, 2:25 AM

    Right that’s it I’m removing this app not but a shower of queen lovers on it have ye forgotten what happened shame on most of ye.

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    Mute Sean Beinead
    Favourite Sean Beinead
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    Apr 20th 2014, 1:39 PM

    Anyone ever hear of the saying keep your friends close but your enemies closer, I think both governments are building on their relationship with the same goal,two friendly nations ireland and the United kingdom of great Britain.think about it, if scotland became independant, then a united ireland with the support of the british genuinely, I think both governments are being very clever about the future of both countries, ireland and britain cooperating on friendly terms , good for both economies, it always boils down to economics, this is an important move in a big chess game,thats what I think.

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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:15 AM

    I don’t think she should. But it would be nice if she came

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    Mute Rita Cahill
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    Apr 21st 2014, 12:00 AM

    Our irish government has no Respect the Irish Heroes of Ireland who died for irish Freedom and who were murdered by the British Army, If The British Royal and their Government should respect our culture and history and our irish heroes,
    i am not comfortable about a senior member of the royal family being a part of the 1916 commemorations on easter sunday or easter monday – if they wish to come at some other stage that week, then fine – but not those days . why? because these are two days i think should be an irish commemoration to irish patriots. there is no doubt that the rising was badly planned, badly executed etc, but the fact that it was the most successful step ever to realizing the independence that ireland had longed for – it took executions, conscription threats, civil war, anglo irish war to finalize the shape of what we have become – but this was the first blow. its a time to remember that brave episode in our history and it should be focused on the heroes, their families, supporters, the people of Dublin and Ireland who lived through these confused times.
    Having a royal presence over these two days will take the focus away completely from what we are commemorating. the forces of state will be tied up in providing security for the royals, there will be extra barriers, the international press will be focused on the royals – and the real legacy of the rising will be overlooked.
    by all means if they want to attend an ecumenical service during the week then fine – but they should not be on any podium on easter reviewing parades etc. there is a time and a place for inviting senior representatives from other countries to share in commemoration ceremonies but i don’t think its appropriate to have them at this one.
    God Bless all our Irish heroes of ireland, please respect our Irish Identity of our Culture FG, LB, FF, SF as i find it disgusting and revolting that you sick jokers would invite Enemies of the past that Killed Our Heroes, I Say No Royal or British Government should be allowed to step foot in Ireland on the Day of 1916 commemoration of our Heros who Died by the Hand of the British,

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    Mute Deni5
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:37 AM

    What if she or Charles or whoever made another state visit in 2016 but just not at Easter time? She could commemorate some smaller event and people could move more freely during the bigger commemorations.

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    Mute tayto79
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    Apr 21st 2014, 2:28 AM

    And a other thing if the royals are invited I will never step another foot in Ireland again my grandfather and granduncles are turning in their graves as I type this.

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    Mute tayto79
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    Apr 21st 2014, 2:17 AM

    Jayus have the Irish forgotten what happened!!the hero’s of 1916 will be turning in their grave’s inviting the old enemy they all want to be lined up and shot for even thinking it.its bad enough Kenny and that bo@#*x shatter been there the men and women of Ireland that fought for our freedom will be sick the state of our country is into day and the A wholes running it.

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
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    Apr 21st 2014, 4:33 AM

    Exactly, and if people think the British establishment is our new best friend forever now is wholely mistaking, they would p1ss on us the first chance they got.

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    Mute Tommy Whelan
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    Apr 21st 2014, 9:27 AM

    For 600 yrs the British play a part in this country and yet in the eyes of many Irish people our whole history is about the events that took place between 1916 and 1923 and the famine of course . It’s a total shame cause some great things happen in our history . The creation of our great cities that we call home , the people that live there are the descendants of the people that live here before us . The fact is that if the British never came here Dublin would be a very different place and the people a very different people that live there . Our history is what makes who we are . The past is what makes the present and the British play a big part in that .

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    Mute Sean Beinead
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    Apr 20th 2014, 11:45 AM

    Im looking at it as an acknowledgement by the british that a small country like ours stood against an empire and now standing side by side as equals, it would seem that they are paying respects to an old enemy who fought againsts the odds and though not a battle victory, it was a victory for the minds of their people, id welcome it.

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    Mute Fergus Behan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 5:18 PM

    No because we are a Republic not a cuddly oddity !

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    Mute Pádraig McCann
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:07 PM

    They should be invited to a small ceremony..not for the entire commemoration. I do think the British side should be represented in some form be it Parliament or Royal

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    Mute Eamon Ryan
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    Jun 16th 2014, 5:42 PM

    Seems like some North Korean fix if anyone fears that a foreign visitor “might take focus away” from the most important event in our history. Will non-celebration be a “capital” offence. Time for Ireland to grow up and say hello to this century?

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    Mute Catherine Byrne
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    Apr 21st 2014, 3:34 AM

    They closed half the roads in Dublin when the queen came the last time. No on lookers allowed. Is that the way we’d like it for the 1916 commemoration?

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    Mute Eamon Ryan
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    Jul 7th 2014, 1:43 PM

    Pope Adrian IV died in 1159. The Norman invasion (by Irish invitation) occurred in 1169 followed by Henry II arriving to subdue the mercenaries as well as the Irish in 1170. Facts are important in life (and in history)

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    Mute Martin Gosling
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    Apr 20th 2014, 2:40 PM

    I think they should be more than welcome to come along as long as the focus is not on them. Probably be a better idea just to invite them at another stage

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    Mute Tommy Whelan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:26 PM

    Cecilia the 10th, 4th and 5th battalion the Royal Dublin fusiliers equally took part in the events of those days . Irish men from all parts of Ireland that risk there life’s to bring the uprising to an end . I think u will find that more people in Ireland today have ancestors that serve in a British uniform during rising then ever fought on behalf of the rebels . That’s a reason on its own for a royal to attend and show there respect to these men .

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    Mute Dave Mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:10 PM

    anyone who thinks no, needs to grow up.

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    Mute Jakim Berndsen
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    Apr 21st 2014, 1:25 AM

    In reality, those involved with the British monarchy are aware of the significance of the day in the minds of the Irish people. The chances are that a formal invite will be sent to the royal family, and that this will then be declined, with a later statement on the day by the queen commemorating the occasion. Alternatively, a member of the Royal family will attend, but merely in a representative role, in the way a head of state would for a state funeral. If anybody honestly thinks a Royal family attendance would be anything akin to the royal visit of a few years ago, they’d be mistaken. These things are meticulously planned, and those planning know it would end up being a massive image hit, and in all likely hood too big a safety risk, for the Queen to come on an official state visit to Ireland during the commemorations of the 1916 rising.

    For what it’s worth, I think she should be invited. It shows that for all the respect we have for those fallen in the rising, we are now able to look towards Britain as friends rather than enemy’s. France and Germany manage to stand side by side when reflecting on the horrors of two world wars fought against each other. It doesn’t show disrespect to those who died trying, but for a newfound friendship between the two countries and a willingness to judge the country by it’s current standing. This is something I feel apply’s equally well between our two countries. There were justified reasons for strife in our the past, but in terms of our judging of the merits of our neighbours now, those things should be forgotten.

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    Mute Eoin Sherry
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    Apr 20th 2014, 3:55 PM

    Does the Q in lgbtq not stand for queen if so it would be blatant discrimination if she isn’t allowed to attend

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