President Higgins challenges Irish people to achieve ‘unfulfilled dream’ of the past

The 1916 commemorations should challenge Irish people to “revisit our conceptions of what constitutes a real republic” and to redouble efforts to achieve the “unfulfilled dreams of our past”, President Michael D Higgins has said.

In a detailed speech at Dublin’s Mansion House as part of the RTÉ Reflecting the Rising events, the head of state said the remembrances mean today’s Irish people must examine “why and how has the flame of equality and social justice been quenched” and to encourage a “greater duty” to achieve what was first set out.

Speaking to a packed audience, the President said what was outlined in the ideals of the 1916 proclamation and the subsequent 1919 Dáil have not been fully achieved.