Taoiseach and 1916 - Ahern must face issues of Mahon

An TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern came under some strong personal criticism yesterday from a protester who complained that Mr Ahern was not fit to commemorate the men and women of the Easter Rebellion.

Nobody should have the right to denounce anybody for commemorating the people of 1916.

Hence the Irish Examiner deplores such behaviour.

Yesterday’s ceremony was a formal occasion attended by the President, Taoiseach, and deputy first minister from Northern Ireland, along with about 300 members of the Defence Forces and thousands of people commemorating 1916. The Taoiseach’s decision not to discuss issues relative to the Mahon Tribunal on such an occasion was understandable. It was neither the time nor the place. Of course, there were plenty of people to defend and support the Taoiseach. Some verbal exchanges developed between the protester and one of Mr Ahern’s constituents. Junior Minister Dick Roche was strong in his defence of the Taoiseach afterwards.

He dismissed rumours of unrest within Fianna Fáil.

That said, however, it should be recognised there are questions that must be answered and issues that must be faced. The longer they are dragged out the more likely people will become polarised and this could begin to overshadow the workings of government.