Ideals of 1916 leaders should 'continue to inspire us', says Higgins 

President Michael D Higgins lays a wreath at the 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration at the GPO in Dublin. Picture: Arthur Carron/Collins

President Michael D Higgins led commemorations to those who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising, saying that its leaders "challenge us to address global issues".

During the event, the 1916 Proclamation was read by Captain Conor Gibbons, as it was by Pádraig Pearse 109 years ago, with a parade of the branches of the Defence Forces and a flyover by the Air Corps.

Mr Higgins laid a wreath at Dublin's GPO alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, as well by former President Mary Robinson, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain, and a number of members of Cabinet including Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon.

In comments ahead of what will be his last commemoration, Mr Higgins said that Irish people could still take inspiration from the proclamation, but that it challenges us to address global issues.

The men and women who participated in the 1916 Rising were inspired by the declaration of a Republic, and the dream of a better, fairer future.

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"The Proclamation of the Republic, which Patrick Pearse read out from under the portico of the GPO, offers elements of a generous social and political vision that can still inspire us," he said, highlighting the document's guarantees of liberty and equality.
"It called forth a Republic that would guarantee, “Religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens” and be resolved “to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally”.

"As we commemorate the Easter Rising, this ideal should continue to inspire us.
"The message was addressed to a world community that they might achieve not only independence, but its best exercise.
We are challenged by their message to address the issues of global poverty, the consequences of climate change, the conflict in so many places of the world that threaten the lives of civilians, and the erosion of basic rights.
"I am sure that those who participated would have been proud of all of the Irish families who have offered our men and women to peacekeeping internationally."

Around 160 Defence Forces personnel took part in the event, as well as the Defence Forces' brass, reed and pipe bands and was attended on O'Connell Street by several hundred members of the public.