Sinn Fein announce republican commemoration

Sinn Fein has announced a special commemoration will be held in Dublin this weekend to honour all the republicans killed over the last 30 years.

Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein president, announced details this afternoon of the event, to be known as "Tír-grá" which will be held in the Citywest Hotel.

Sinn Fein isn't saying so, but many observers will view the event as a signal that this phase of the IRA campaign for a united Ireland is drawing to a close.

2,500 people are being invited to a dinner at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Saturday night. It's being held to mark the deaths of four hundred people, all either IRA volunteers or Sinn Fein activists, killed over the last 30 years of conflict.

Each family will be presented with a sculpture, designed by artist Robert Ballagh, depicting peace growing out of war.

There will also be a commemorative book, listing all four hundred people with photographs and biographies.

Launching the event, Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, the grief of all of the families, whether of British soldiers, IRA Volunteers or loyalist paramilitary groups was undoubtedly the same.