Remembering 1916: Celebrations are already too divisive

It seems that the events to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising might yet be as divisive, as loosely organised and as controversial as the event they are supposed to honour. Once again the almost mandatory split — or splits — has worked its way to the top of the national agenda.

The Government has been accused of being secretive and almost inactive on the issue, accusations that seem to have had some validity though the publication of the 2016 Centenary programme at the GPO in Dublin earlier this week brings some shape to proposals around the celebration. However, the promotional video launched at that event has already been severely criticised as it ignores central figures and seminal events of 1916— including the leaders’ executions.

Descendants of those directly involved in 1916 have expressed dissatisfaction at how they are being treated. Some of them suggested they are being marginalised though it’s not altogether clear why this group of people might expect particular attention in what is after all a national event.