SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan
has said that the events of 1916 and the commemoration of the Easter Rising is
bigger than any political party and any politician.
Mr McCrossan said that he wants to see a
year of inclusive commemoration that offers those of all political traditions
the opportunity to tell the story of their community and to learn about their
own connection to the events of 100 years ago.
Mr McCrossan said:
“1916 was a pivotal year in the shaping of Ireland. The rich history of that
year, from the march on the GPO to the march on the battlefields of the Somme,
belongs to all the people of Ireland. It certainly doesn’t belong to any party
or any politician.
“I
was disappointed to hear the new First Minister suggest that she will not be
associated with the Easter Rising commemoration. That is a step backward.
History offers us all a choice – we can become rigid, unyielding and unwilling
to accommodate the traditions of others. Or we can learn from the past, embrace
the challenges of the present and stretch ourselves to shape a future where
everyone is comfortable in our shared experiences. There is a unionist
dimension to the Rising, a unique story to be told, just as there is a
nationalist dimension to the Somme commemoration which my party will not shirk
from. It would be a true loss if Arlene Foster and others chose not to share
their story.
“But
clearly there are others who believe that the story of the Rising is for them
alone to tell. It is not. They believe that the sectarian conflict and violence
of the troubles makes them the heir to the legacy of 1916. It does not. And the
people of Ireland will not stand by silently as any party or politician
attempts to claim sole ownership of our national heritage.”
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