Ben Lowry: The centenary celebrations for Northern Ireland should be inclusive — up to a point

There has been much talk about making the commemoration of Northern Ireland ‘s 100th birthday sensitive and inclusive.
By Ben Lowry
Published 15th Aug 2020, 11:53 GMT
Updated 16th Aug 2020, 18:40 GMT
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) and Taoiseach Micheal Martin walking in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle during the Prime Minister's visit to Belfast on Thursday. Mr Johnson talked about the government's intention to mark Northern Ireland's centenary. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA WirePrime Minister Boris Johnson (right) and Taoiseach Micheal Martin walking in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle during the Prime Minister's visit to Belfast on Thursday. Mr Johnson talked about the government's intention to mark Northern Ireland's centenary. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) and Taoiseach Micheal Martin walking in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle during the Prime Minister's visit to Belfast on Thursday. Mr Johnson talked about the government's intention to mark Northern Ireland's centenary. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Those are sensible aims.

But there is only so inclusive it can be.

It cannot include as a matter of parity those who want to dismantle or even tried to destroy the state.

Similarly, the Republic of Ireland commemorations of the 1916 centenary, four years ago, were inclusive only up to a point.

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The unionist view that the Easter Rising was a founding act of terrorism, that did not have public support, was not exactly to the fore — and it was hardly ever likely to be so.

I was in Dublin for those celebrations and wrote on these pages how it was a pity not to see unionists present (see link below). It was like relatives who should be at a family occasion, but are missing due to a feud.

Yet at the same time I understood the unionist absence well.

Anyone who finds Northern Ireland’s history as repugnant as Michelle O’Neill says she does can and should absent themselves from the centenary commemorations.

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While it is of course right to recognise differing views on the history of the last 100 years, 2021 is a time to celebrate a country that so many of us love.

Also to recognise that a Northern Irish identity is one that increasing numbers of people here from all backgrounds cite.

• Ben Lowry (@BenLowry2) is News Letter deputy editor

• Ben Lowry: Allowing huge grade inflation at GCSE and A-Level will create its own injustices

•Ben Lowry in 2016: Why unionists should have been in Dublin on Easter Sunday

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Related topics:Ben LowryNorthern IrelandGCSERepublic of IrelandMichelle O'Neill