Ahern champions ‘true republicanism’ at Rising ceremony

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday rejected the Provisional movement’s claim that it alone continues the tradition of Irish republicanism.

Delivering his address at Fianna Fáil’s annual commemoration of the 1916 Rising in Arbour Hill, Mr Ahern strongly contended that “democracy has always been the fundamental goal of true republicanism.”

He said the Easter Rising had only taken place after the democratic wishes of the Irish people for self-government had been frustrated for over 30 years.