Ahern in favour of annual event to mark Rising

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was in favour of an annual Easter Rising commemoration, although not necessarily on the scale of the recent event.

"We should have some commemoration every year. Perhaps this year we should reflect on whether it is possible or sensible for it to be precisely the same and to see how we might organise it best." Mr Ahern said he had an open mind on whether to include non-military elements in future commemorations. He said no decision had been made on whether the GPO should be closed as a post office and transformed into some type of museum. There were many creative people who could bring forward ideas, he said.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he agreed with the Taoiseach that the commemoration was a success, although he had to remind him of the necessity for inclusiveness in the work of all politicians beforehand.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Taoiseach to confirm he had communicated to him that Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and himself would be unable to attend the ceremonies because of prior commitments. This, he added, was "a reality far removed from speculation in some newspapers that we had somehow absented ourselves".

Mr Ahern acknowledged that Mr Ó Caoláin had communicated with him, informing him who would stand in for the party.

"Even if I was criticised for where I made the original announcement, I gave everybody seven months' notice. It was a good day to pay tribute to Óglaigh na hÉireann. It is a matter for everybody whether they can attend events."

He told Mr Ó Caoláin he had heard no speculation that consideration was being given to re-interring the remains of the 1916 leaders from Arbour Hill to Glasnevin cemetery.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said it was a mistake for Sinn Féin's ardchomhairle to decide its president would not be present. He questioned whether the Government had plans to mark the 90th anniversary of the first Dáil, and whether it was adequate to mark the centenary of the death of Michael Davitt merely with the production of a commemorative stamp.

Mr Ahern said he had no difficulty with marking any such events. "Five years ago we held the commemoration of the first Dáil. The deputy will appreciate that in any one year only a few such events can be held and these should be dealt with correctly." Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said that ongoing military parades between now and 2016 might not show the breadth of vision that those who took part in the Rising displayed.

Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) suggested it was breathtaking hypocrisy for the Government to pretend to honour those who fought in 1916 when it was divesting the State's key assets. Mr Ahern replied he was in total and fundamental disagreement with Mr Higgins.