Labour leader was shamefully omitted
The important task of re-establishing the legitimacy of Irish republicanism has been advanced.
However, in all the commentary about the Rising and the subsequent founding of our State, one name has been shamefully omitted. That name and that man is Tom Johnson.
Following the Rising, Tom Johnson, as president of the Trade Union Congress and Labour Party, skilfully worked for the unity of working people throughout Ireland.
He subsequently led the Anti-Conscription Committee, drafted the democratic programme of the first Dáil and was leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann in the very important initial years of our independent parliament.
Of course the leaders of the Rising and succeeding leaders such as Cosgrave, Collins, O’Higgins and de Valera deserve to be acknowledged and remembered.
As a democrat, and a proud citizen of this independent Irish Republic, however, I want to remember a great man who throughout his adult life worked to turn Connolly’s ideals into a living reality.
Ireland should never forget Tom Johnson or the debt he is owed.
Cllr Dermot Lacey
66 Beech Hill Drive
Donnybrook
Dublin 4
