- Thousands in Dublin to mark 1916 rebellion
- Politically sensitive event revived after IRA ceasefire
Ireland's defence forces marched through the streets of Dublin to the sound of brass bands, the rumble of tanks and the roar of military aircraft yesterday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Because of political sensitivities, it was the first military parade to commemorate the rebellion - long regarded as the springboard for Irish independence - in more than 30 years. The Easter march was abandoned at the height of the Northern Ireland conflict, but last year's pledge by the IRA to lay down its arms paved the way for the Irish government to revive the ceremony. Even so, it has stirred debate in the republic over whether the rebels were romantic heroes or a band of thugs.
The prime minister, Bertie Ahern, President Mary McAleese and several hundred descendants of the rebels watched yesterday's parade from viewing stands as it threaded along O'Connell Street, and past the battle-scarred General Post Office which served as the rebels' headquarters. Tens of thousands of Dubliners lined the route, while hundreds of thousands more watched the event live on television.
"Today is a day of remembrance, reconciliation and renewal," Mr Ahern said in a speech shortly before the parade. "Today is about discharging one generation's debt of honour to another. Today, we will fittingly commemorate the patriotism and vision of those who set in train an unstoppable process which led to this country's political independence."
Full story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,1755374,00.html
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