1916 commemoration plans ‘shambolic’ and symbolic of ‘cynical indifference’ - Adams

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has rejected Sinn Féin claims of "cynical indifference" by Government to the sacrifice of the men and women of 1916 in its centenary commemoration plans.

During sharp exchanges, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams described as "shambolic" and "deeply embarrassing" that Google Translate had been used for the Irish-language section of the State's 1916 website, resulting in "gibberish". This, he said, was symbolic of the Government's attitude to the anniversary, the Proclamation and the Irish language.

Mr Adams said the Government produced a “glossy brochure devoid of historical substance or detail”. He called on Mr Kenny to explain “why the video that launches Ireland 2016 makes no mention of the Easter rising or the signatories of the Proclamation”.

Instead, he said, “we are treated to images of Facebook, Google, Bob Geldof, Bono, David Cameron and the English queen”.

Mr Adams claimed the brochure and video were “deeply disrespectful to the men and women of 1916 and betray a cynical indifference to their sacrifice, ideals, hopes and vision”.

Mr Kenny reminded Mr Adams that the “1916 Proclamation declares that we should cherish all the children of the nation equally, so we’re not going to have a situation in so far as we can, in which the children of the nation are not cherished equally”, in reference to allegations of child sexual abuse by republicans.

Mr Kenny said he was sure the 1916 Proclamation signatories would not stand for a situation where evidence or information might be known but they were afraid to own up because of what they stood for.

He listed a number of commemorative events, including the 2016 parade led by relatives of Rising leaders, a Dublin Castle commemorative event, the development of the military archive in McKee Barracks, restoration of Kilmainham courthouse, and an interpretative centre in the GPO.