Double standards on Republican displays

Minister Alan Shatter has made it clear that the State will not “permit paramilitary displays, in any part of the Irish Government’s jurisdiction”. This policy is a recent novelty and not without contradiction and incredible hypocrisy.

The 1916 Republican commemorations in the South are indeed “paramilitary displays” that are fully supported by the government, including the Taoiseach who is regularly seen at these gatherings. There are undoubtedly paramilitaries at these commemorations who walk shoulder to shoulder with Government officials.

There also seems to be an undertone by Mr Shatter in his statement directed at Northern Ireland, rather than the South in condemning paramilitary displays. There are a sizeable number of paramilitary or quasi-paramilitary displays in the Republic that cause the gardaí no problems whatsoever, that are not reported but go still on.

In many cases the gardaí facilitate marchers complete with Republican regalia, in addition to revolution and hero speeches that accompany such gatherings. Volleys of shots are also fired, again causing no trouble.

It is a bit rich and selective that the recent burial of a dissent Republican in Dublin should cause the government so much irritation and concern.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork