Bertie Ahern
Question:1 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has to support commemorative events. [7644/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Commemorations.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to a parliamentary question from him on 7 February, relevant to national commemorations.
A few other issues are an extension of that question. Will the Taoiseach explain the reason there was no official commemoration to mark the bicentenary of the Bantry Bay Expedition by way of a stamp or attendance at the opening of the recent exhibition at Bantry Bay? Many of the groups involved believe that because of our close involvement with France, our EU partner, who did participate, we should in some way commemorate that event.
I understand that the philatelic advisory committee which advises the Government regularly on stamp programmes did consider this matter but did not recommend that a stamp be struck to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Bantry Bay Expedition. I would make the point, however, that this particular epoch in our history which did involve France will be commemorated as part of the broader 1798 200th anniversary celebrations. I think the Bantry Bay Expedition needs to be seen in that wider context. I will ensure that as part of the broader 1798 commemorations special account is taken of the slightly earlier naval expedition led by Admiral Hoche.
I thank the Taoiseach for that information. Many people thought it was part of the Government's policy of dropping history not to commemorate these events. Is there any plan to issue a stamp to mark the 350th anniversary of Owen Roe O'Neill's famous confederation victory at the Battle of Benburb? I asked about this last year. We commemorated the Battle of Fontenoy and it intrigues my historian colleagues why we commemorated that battle and not what was probably the most famous battle of 1646.
It is interesting that the Deputy should raise that. I asked that question about a year ago. I raised the question of commemorating the Battle of Benburb which was significant, as the Deputy correctly stated, during the confederation wars of the 1640s. I cannot recollect the detailed answer I was given on that occasion but I did have the same interest as that expressed by the Deputy. As far as I can recollect, we were advised — I am speaking from memory — that there was a possibility as there were two sides to that battle——
As there are in every battle.
——it might be considered to be divisive by some of the population in Ulster. That is not a reason for not commemorating events, as long as the commemoration is done in a way that emphasises that people fighting on both sides in these battles fought out of a sense of what they thought was a just cause. Now, in the light of history and with the passage of time, we can appreciate that more fully. I agree with the Deputy's concern to ensure we remember events of this kind. It is important that we should remember it in a healing way and not in a way that seeks to demonstrate the rightness of one side in any battle at the expense of another side. From the point of view of the European dimension, it is important to remember that all war is disgusting and involves the most appalling sacrifice of human lives. As one who saw, for example, the recent television programme about the Battle of Culloden in 1746 I realise what a savage event this was and yet only in the region of 1,500 people were killed in that battle. In the Battle of Aughrim, fought on our soil, 9,000 people were killed. The largest loss of life ever in war either in Britain or Ireland took place at the Battle of Aughrim. Those people died in the most appalling pain and suffering. The lesson from all of this recollection of battles past must be not to celebrate the battle as much as to ensure we create structures and conditions to ensure that such battles never occur not alone in this country but in this continent ever again.
Given that it is 50 years since the FCA was founded and the role it has played in the State, including the recent Oscar winning role in "Braveheart", has the Government any plans to mark this occasion with a suitable celebration?
Yes, the 50th anniversary took place on 6 February. The FCA was a successor to the LDF which was an equally honourable force formed earlier. A series of commemorative activities will be organised by the Defence Forces and the issue of a dedicated callcard from Telecom Éireann commemorating the 50th anniversary of the FCA, a force in which I am proud to say I served.
Will it restore the annual training?
In respect of the FCA I do not understand why it was not possible to have a commemorative medal to mark the 50th anniversary of its formation. My colleague, Deputy Michael Kitt, tabled a question on that issue recently and it was ruled out of order. My view on wars is similar to that of the Taoiseach, but they are part of our history. I did not agree with the Chinese Revolution but I know the Government is trying to remove history as a core subject from our educational system. I merely asked why we could commemorate the Battle of Fontenoy and not commemorate the 350th anniversary of Owen Roe O'Neill's famous victory of the Battle of Benburb which was the most important battle of that period. Such events are of historical interest to many people. The Government sets out the guidelines for commemorating them and makes the final decisions. Some of them were terrible events but they are part of what we are. Our ancestors were involved in them. As I stated when we debated the issue previously, I would have no difficulty with Orangemen commemorating 1690 in O'Connell Street and would attend such a commemoration. Neither have I any objection to saving Sir Edward Carson's house. However, I do not like the selective way in which some events are placed on the agenda and others dropped.
We have not dropped some events in favour of others. I indicated already that the Bantry Bay expedition, which did not land, will be commemorated as part of the overall 1798 commemoration. I also indicated that commemorating the Battle of Benburb was raised but a decision was taken not to do so and I have outlined, to my best recollection, the reasons given for that.
It is important to strike a balance in commemorating warlike events. In all wars there are winners and losers and in all battles there are victors and vanquished. We must also strike a balance in commemorating events that are not of a warlike character. For example, this year we will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Michael Davitt, who achieved an enormous amount for this country without the use of violence. He transformed agricultural conditions and the dignity of people working on the land by non-violent pressure. Commemorating Michael Davitt's birth will commemorate the effectiveness of non-violent, but firm, protest in conjunction, of course, with the commemoration of events from other traditions and activities. This year we will hold a special commemoration for the 80th anniversary of 1916. When all events are considered in conjunction with one another, I am sure the Deputy will realise a reasonable balance is being struck. Irrespective of the judgment or selection one makes on events to be commemorated, we cannot commemorate all of them. Choices based on judgements must be made and they will be open to criticism. I do not have any difficulty with criticism, but we must bear in mind that irrespective of what judgement is made it will be open to criticism. Hindsight is a very exact science.
I dissuade Members from the notion that we can discuss at great length the pros and cons of battles fought long ago.
Chesterton said that all our wars are merry and all our songs are sad.
He was not Irish.
That is correct, but he may have got it right. Michael Davitt advocated non-violence in agrarian matters. That tenet dated from his injury during a sad childhood. Unfortunately, the fight for tenants' rights at that time generated a great deal of violence and it is only proper that the matter is seen in that light.
The Deputy's comment is fair. There was confrontation but it was not military. I am proud that I am a successor to Michael Davitt's son. Dr. Davitt was a Fine Gael TD for Meath.
Back to the future.
When our party leader launched the 150th anniversary of Michael Davitt in Leeds he may not have been aware that he was related to the Taoiseach.
He is not related to me. His son was a Fine Gael TD for Meath.
Is that not enough?
All sons are not like their fathers.
While I appreciate that the Taoiseach may not be in that position in 1999 may I ask him——
Not a blue shirt?
——if he would consider supporting the proposal by the Old Drogheda Society to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Cromwellian expedition to Ireland. That society has requested that a stamp be issued to commemorate the event.
I will consider the matter. The Old Drogheda Society should communicate with me, but we may not issue a stamp. I will take an interest in that matter.