Dishonouring the spirit of 1916
This is an extract from the Proclamation of Poblacht na hÉireann, signed by Thomas Clarke, Sean Mac Diarmada, Thomas McDonagh, PH Pearse, Eamonn Ceannt, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett.
No organisation or person who indulges in the indiscriminate laying of bombs in public places, punishment beatings or the threat of vicious violence against citizens can claim to inherit the character of the above signatories.
Such behaviour dishonours all that these men espoused, stood and died for. On a personal level, in claiming to be the inheritors of the spirit of 1916, they insult and besmirch the character of my own father, who served under Thomas MacDonagh.
A Protestant neighbour summed him up well when, upon his death years later, he called to commiserate with my mother on the loss of a “truly Christian gentleman”.
A man of literary bent, he wrote extensively, in Irish and in English. His admiration for European - including English - culture was only surpassed by his practical devotion to that of our own Irish language.
The historic obligation facing the emerging Ireland, he said, was twofold: to revive the Irish language, and to do all in our power to alleviate the misery and injustice of poverty in the world.
I believe he realised that such a grand endeavour would see a unity of heart and mind emerge in a 32-counties Ireland of the future.
Sinn Féin, if it is to lay claim, with other parties, to the mantle of heroism and honour bequeathed all of us by the proclamation signatories must sever all connections with those who dishonour and betray their memory.
Colm Ó Tórna
3 Garrán Ghleann Sceiche
Ard Aidhin
Baile Átha Cliath 5
