Bruton wrong to say that Home Rule was inevitable

The revisionist contribution of John Bruton (August 5) is concerning, and shows that a cohort of individuals still believe that 1916 was unnecessary, while suggesting Home Rule was inevitable. Therein lies the deceit.

Mr Bruton, as a former taoiseach, is well aware that the British have never moved on issues, unless it’s in their own strategic interest. The 1916 leaders had no alternative but to initiate an armed rebellion in the face of perfidious ‘Albion’. No doubt, the debate will continue during the centenary of commemorations, but we are where we are, and a debt of honour is owed to a previous generation, who made the ultimate sacrifice. In this regard, and with the 100th anniversary commemoration looming in 2016, perhaps it’s time for citizens in this republic to reclaim our own history and fly the tricolour in tribute... after all, citizens of other countries have no problem flying their national flag.

Peter Mulvany