RIC/DMP commemoration postponed

 

The decision by the government to backtrack on plans to host and postpone a commemoration of the RIC and DMP in Dublin Castle later this month has been welcomed locally.

It follows a statement issued by Minister for Justice Charles Flanagan late yesterday afternoon, January 7.

“As a Government, we have at all times sought to have a national programme of commemorations that is authentic, sensitive and inclusive.

“We very much support the recommendation that there should be specific State-led initiatives to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP).

“However, given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17th January, I do not believe that the event, as planned, can now take place in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme.

“Therefore, I am announcing its deferral.”

Minister Flanagan said that “regrettably” the decision to defer the commemoration will cause “hurt and upset” to many people. “I commit to proceeding with an alternative commemoration in the months ahead,” he further stated.

“As a next step, I will consult further with the expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration, with the all-party consultative group on commemoration and with other stakeholders, with a view to organising an event that is inclusive and fully respectful of all the traditions and memories on this island.”

Part of a series of events to mark the 'Decade of Centenaries', the RIC/DMP commemoration event was set to be addressed by Minister Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris also.

A number of senior government officials as well as opposition politicians had however publicly stated they would be boycotting the event.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny is among those who welcomed the decision by the Minister for Justice to postpone the commemoration.

“He organised it without using the agreed channel of the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and he is clearly out of step with public opinion on this issue,” said the local TD.

“The RIC and the Black and Tans were a repressive force in this country and the people of this nation do not want to commemorate or honour them. It is an embarrassment to suggest that we should,” he added.

“If anyone who had an ancestor in one of these repressive forces wants to remember them or pay their respects in any personal way, it is totally appropriate for them to do so. However, the RIC and the DMP served the British on this island and if they are to be commemorated as a force, then the British can do it.

“Charlie Flanagan should be aware that if he wants to commemorate them, he is not doing in my name or in the name of the Irish people,” said Deputy Kenny.

The Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council meanwhile was due address his fellow elected members in relation to being invited to attend the planned commemoration.

Fianna Fail's Shane P O'Reilly would not divulge what his decision would be one way or another until he had had an opportunity to consult with other councillors at their next scheduled monthly meeting, on Monday, January 13.

He told The Anglo-Celt: “I received an invitation as Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council over the Christmas period from the Minister for Justice Charles Flanagan to attend the event. With regard to that I have made a personal decision, and I will make a statement on the matter next Monday.

“I am in a very privileged position as Cathaoirleach of this county, nominated to this role by my fellow elected members, and I will discuss my views on this in full with them in due course.”

A spokesperson for Cavan County Council said the authority has “no plans to include” any commemorations of the RIC in its 'Decade of Centenaries' commemorations programme locally.