The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, took time out from the Ray Burke affair yesterday to open the new National 1798 Visitors' Centre in Enniscorthy. Escaping modern politics, albeit temporarily, he took up a pike to cut the ribbon in the purple and gold Wexford colours.
The £2.6 million development, at a former Christian Brothers' monastery, is expected to draw 70,000 tourists this year and continue as an attraction long after the '98 commemorations.
"When all the bicentennial celebrations are over, this centre will stand as a reminder, as teacher and motivator, to inspire many more people to study and understand the important principles of republicanism and their changing implications for each succeeding generation" said the Taoiseach.
He was brought on a tour of the exhibition by Comoradh '98 executive, Mr Bernard Browne, and Mr Matt O'Connor, of the National Building Agency.
The story-line for the centre was developed by historian Tommy Graham and is presented with the aid of extensive computer technology. It has already proved popular with school parties who were given sneak previews before yesterday's official opening.
The centrepiece is the "Vinegar Hill experience", which brings to life the battle for Enniscorthy in July 1798.
Visitors are bombarded with images from four screens, using footage of 500 volunteer pikemen and redcoats who spent two days on location with Teilifis na Gaeilge's Louis Marcus.
Mr Ahern described the show as superb and said he was looking forward to coming back for a few hours in his own time before driving off to New Ross for a pageant recreating another battle from 200 years ago.
