TDs mark 90th anniversary of Dáil

TDs today saluted the pioneers of the first Dáil parliament and vowed to emulate their courage in tackling current economic challenges facing the country.

The Dáil was forced to mark the 90th anniversary event a day early because Sinn Féin had booked the original venue, Dublin's Mansion House, for the exact date tomorrow.

TDs elected to Westminster in the December 1918 general election formed the breakaway forum a few weeks later on January 21, 1919.

Many of the politicians, such as Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Constance Markievicz and Arthur Griffith, were in prison or on the run and unable to attend.

Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue today saluted the patriotism and courage of the politicians who paved the way for the foundation of the Irish nation.

"Our meeting here today is a celebration of their courage and foresight and their ratification of the declaration of our independence. It is also an acknowledgement of how far we have come over the past 90 years," he explained.

The first parliament lasted just two years and met 21 times in private houses and hotels - always under the threat of police raids.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today told the 90-minute bilingual ceremony that nobody in modern Ireland was being asked to lay down their life for their country like previous generations.

In a bold message to the audience, he said everybody needed to work together to prevent the return of long-term unemployment and economic decline.

"Are we prepared to work together in partnership to tackle this crisis, for the benefit of our fellow citizens and of our children?" he asked.

He added: "Those who founded Dáil Eireann and who carved out an independent Ireland out of the most powerful empire in the world faced daunting challenges. They succeeded. So too will we."