We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS all but confirmed that no members of the Royal Family will attend the 1916 centenary commemorations next year.
The possibility of a member or members of the Royal Family attending the centenary events had been been raised on the President’s State visit to the UK last year and has been the subject of much debate since.
However, speaking on Claire Byrne Live last night, junior arts minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said that such a prospect would “probably be a major distraction”.
The minister said he would “prefer” if this would not be the case but added:
I think it would be too much of a distraction.
He noted that the events next year are “not for the British Royal Family, it’s for us and for the Irish people”.
A poll carried out by Amárach Research for the programme found an even split between those who felt the Royals should be invited (44 per cent) and those who felt they shouldn’t (44 per cent).
On the same programme, the Fianna Fáil TD and grandson of Éamon De Valera, Éamon Ó Cuív, said that what happened at the 90th anniversary commemoration would be proportionate.
On that occasion the British military attaché from the embassy attended commemorative events.
The government will launch its 2016 commemorative programme at the Collins Barracks in Dublin this evening.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
I blame the parents is a much overused term but… I blame the parents.
Not a bleeding hope would mine be online whenever they want. They like to be out playing like normal kids.
@John Barry: To be fair John, its great for you, your kids have a safe place to go out and play, that isnt the case for everyone, which is where tablet, xbox and playstations come into their own to reduce social isolation etc. Really the kids can not go on whenever they want as they must go to school etc but a better approach here would be to educate parents on safeguarding online for example the family link app etc for when kids are online, rather than saying they should be outside like “normal” kids.
@Sarah Lou: I totally get where you’re coming from Sarah. & Didn’t mean to sound condescending there. They do have a safe place when with their mother but not me as I live in an apartment right beside a main road. But I make sure I’m out with them for walks & play in the green around the corner. But yes you are right, a lot more education for parents is needed. I have their tablets timed for use & they can do nothing or download nothing without it coming to my phone.
Ah sure it keeps them quite
@i.Have.it.Me.: quite what?
@Philip Kennedy: Quite pedantic perhaps?
@G Row.: perhaps? If you’re not sure, don’t post.
@Philip Kennedy: I’m sure you are a pedant.
That’s why I posted.
@G Row.: if you say ‘Perhaps’ you’re uncertain.
@Philip Kennedy: No I was sure.
That means 70% cannot go online whenever they want.. Surely that is against their human rights..
have your say