The success of Irish governments, while bringing many benefits, could be questioned in relation to the ideals of the original republic as advanced by the United Irishmen, according to the sociologist, Father Micheal Mac Greil SJ.
"The vision of the leaders of 1798 is ever young and relevant," he said. "The task of delivering and maintaining freedom, equality and reconciliation in Ireland is the task of all people and all institutions.".
Father Mac Greil was preaching at an ecumenical service in St Michan's Church, Dublin, to commemorate members of the Irish Bar who died during the 1798 Rebellion. The service was organised by the Bar Council, and attended by the Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor, the US ambassador, other politicians, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the judiciary.
"We have failed to achieve equality while we have made more success in removing sectarianism throughout most of the island," said Father Mac Greil.
"Should the Good Friday Agreement be accepted on May 22nd, 1998, and positively implemented, the possibility of sectarianism, sexism, racialism, ethnocentrism, homophobia and other forms of prejudice and discrimination in the Ireland of the future would be greatly weakened," he said.
Following the service, Mr Ahern welcomed the proposal from the Bar Council to reinstate posthumously to the Bar the four members expelled for being members of the United Irishmen, Thomas Addis Emmet, Arthur O'Connor, Matthew Dowling and Edward Keane.
The chairman of the Bar Council, Mr John MacMenamin, launched a pamphlet on 1798 and the Irish Bar, by Dr Patrick Geoghegan. Among the leaders of the United Irishmen were a number of barristers including, as well as those expelled, Wolfe Tone, William Sampson and the Sheares brothers.
Meanwhile, an international conference on the 1798 Rebellion starts tomorrow in the Ulster Museum in Belfast, and moves to Dublin Castle on Thursday, continuing until Saturday..
The topics to be covered include not only the events of that year, but their background, impact on Irish America and Australia, parallels with other revolutions and their reflection on gender relations and in popular culture, with speakers from Ireland, Britain and the US.
The conference is open to the public. The three days in Dublin cost £30 (£15 for the unwaged) and those wishing to attend, even for one day, can pay at the door.