Adams says FG ‘Redmondites’ want 1916 ‘at same level’ as WW1

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said Fine Gael is seeking to put the 1916 Easter Rising "at the same level" as the first World War in upcoming commemorative events.

Mr Adams said he had not heard any plans from the Government about marking the 1916 centenary in a "fitting" way.

“We have to remember that Fine Gael are generally speaking Redmondites. They seek to put the great uprising of 1916 against an Empire at the same level as the First World War,” he said.

Mr Adams said the First World War should also be commemorated and lessons learned but Irish people “in our own right” needed the Government to bring forward plans to commemorate 1916.

When Sinn Féin heard what role was being suggested for any member of the British Royal Family then it would respond.

Asked if he thought it was appropriate that members of the family should be here at all next year or the year after, he said: “We can’t very well object to them coming given the new relationship that has been developing.”

However, he stressed work remained to be done on the peace process. “We want peace on our streets as well as the big houses,” he said.

Mr Adams was speaking at the party’s final press event before local and European elections in Dublin today.

Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said relatives those who died in 1916 must be invited to participate in any planned events.

Mr Adams said Sinn Féin would send a clear signal to the Government that its time was up. He said his party had never described itself as a Socialist party. It was a Republican party that wanted a Socialist Republic and a united Ireland.