Cowen calls for unionist respect for 1916 plans
Brian Cowen used a keynote speech at a UCD conference on Irish/British affairs to call for both parts of the island to embrace the important historical moments in each others’ traditions.
Mr Cowen said commemorations of events like the Ulster Covenant and Battle of the Somme would need to be held in the Republic, just as unionist leaders must confront the “challenge” of marking 1916 in an appropriate way in the North.
Mr Cowen warned that for too long the two traditions concentrated on differences and forgot about similarities and shared interests.
He said a decade of major historical reflection was upon us and all the events of the turbulent 1912-1922 period must be viewed as part of a whole island story.
The UCD conference discussing the upcoming centenaries saw the North’s Minister for Culture Nelson McCausland say the commemoration of 1916 needs to be handled very carefully.
Mr McCausland said there is a danger of it being used by dissident republicans as a recruiting ground if not approached appropriately.
The remarks came as David Cameron made his first visit to the North as British Prime Minister and invited Mr Cowen to Downing Street for their first meeting on the peace process.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach said a “significant” announcement about getting banks to lend to small businesses would be made next week as he again said reform of the public services must be centre-stage of Government thinking.
Mr Cowen was speaking as he welcomed the news that 100 new hi-tech jobs were being created by Telefonica in Dublin. He said it was proof the economy was “turning the corner”, but still had a “steep ascent” ahead of it.
