McAleese’s dubious take on 1916 Proclamation

According to Fiachra O Cionnaith’s report (Irish Examiner, April 14), former president Mary McAleese insists we must support the ‘Yes’ side in the May 22 referendum, if we want to finally live up to the ‘constitutional promise to cherish all children equally.’

There is no such clause anywhere in the Constitution. Where it does occur, in the1916 Proclamation, it has nothing to to do with social equality, as is commonly supposed, but with the signatories’ promise to put nationalists and unionists on an equal footing in the new Ireland.

John A Murphy