Marking the 1916 anniversary

Madam, – In 1916, we were a constituent part of that state to which Kevin O’Connor (April 3rd) refers

Madam, – In 1916, we were a constituent part of that state to which Kevin O’Connor (April 3rd) refers. Whatever its faults in the administration of our affairs, a foreign state it most certainly was not. We had a fully democratic representation in the UK parliament. We elected a majority supporting Home Rule, with a minority favouring the status quo. The Government of Ireland Act 1914 granted us the initial element of independence – autonomy. Our post-war status was to be on a par with the other dominions, all of whom are now successful independent states (Canada and Newfoundland merged in 1949). This achieved, we volunteered in Europe to do our national duty as urged by our Irish leaders.

A minority dissident republican group began an armed insurrection. It was an unmitigated disaster. As intended by its mentors, the IRB, a breakdown in the civil order occurred (from which we have never recovered). It set the nation in turmoil. It is appropriate to celebrate the efforts of these men as we would the fallen on the Somme. Decent brave citizens doing what they thought was the right thing. The Easter Rising did not achieve an Irish Republic. The first World War did not end all wars.

This State was founded in 1921. The Statutes of Westminster 1931 granted legislative independence to the dominions. Éamon de Valera, on assuming power, responded by enacting the controversial Constitution of 1937.

Surely 2021 is the appropriate time to celebrate our first century of independence? Our familial reconciliation with the UK, the acceptance of the legal existence of our two democratic Irish states, and the equality of partnership in our new and more successful union, the EU, are no small achievements. – Yours, etc,

READ MORE

JOE GEOGHEGAN,

Shore Street,

E Cleveland,

Queensland, Australia.

Madam, – I think the best way to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising is to prepare for another one – bloodless if possible. – Yours, etc,

JACK O’CONNELL,

Ballydehob,

Co Cork.