1916 celebrations will brings those of different faiths closer, says Michael Noonan

Arts Minister Heather Humphries’ Protestant background will help make the 1916 commemoration events more inclusive, the Minister for Finance said yesterday.

Michael Noonan said that the sensitivities of Ms Humphries’ Presbyterian co-religionists in the border counties would be acknowledged.

“The commemorations should help bring people closer together,” he said. “We must be cognisent of the past and that is the way Ireland will go forward. I am delighted the commemorations have got off to a good start.”