Arlene Foster's Rising snub shows disdain for nationalism
There has been a muted response from the Irish government and media to the announcement that the first minister Arlene Foster has vowed she will not be associated with anything to do with marking the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
It was my understanding that the post of first minister was to represent all the people of the North and to behave in a way conducive to promoting good community relations and equality of treatment.
Is Ms Foster not in breach of her ministerial code by showing such disdain for the cultural and political identity of more than 40% of the electorate of Northern Ireland?
If it was the case that the Irish government and Northern nationalist political representives proposed to boycott the Somme commemorations, the unionist lobby on both sides of the border along with the media would be scathing in their criticism.
The commitment to parity of esteem, equality, partnership, and respect for the historical traditions of all, as mandated in the Belfast Agreement, is in danger of becoming a one way street.
Tom Cooper, Dublin