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Loyalist brands Easter Rising participants as 'traitors'

Gerard Jordan pictured in Belfast City Hall at the launch of a programme of events commemorating the 1916 Rising. Picture by Hugh Russell
Gerard Jordan pictured in Belfast City Hall at the launch of a programme of events commemorating the 1916 Rising. Picture by Hugh Russell Gerard Jordan pictured in Belfast City Hall at the launch of a programme of events commemorating the 1916 Rising. Picture by Hugh Russell

A senior loyalist last night rejected the prospect of taking part in events to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising.

Organisers of a programme of events to mark the 1916 uprising in Belfast have said they hope to engage loyalist communities across the city.

Parades, re-enactments, lectures, exhibitions, cycle tours and a commemorative walking trail are all planned for next year.

Former Sinn Fein mayor Tom Hartley said all perspectives on the rebellion against British rule in Ireland should be reflected.

However, Progressive Unionist Party spokesman Ken Wilkinson described those who took part in the rising as "traitors".

"I would find it very difficult to participate in any event," he said.

"I had relatives who were away fighting in World War I so as far as I'm concerned the men who took part in the Easter Rising were traitors.

"They may be republican martyrs because they were later executed but that doesn't take away from their actions.

"What my side of the house should be doing, and I will be pushing for this, is to travel to Dublin to lay a wreath to the brave British soldiers who lost their lives, for their sacrifice should be remembered."

Mr Hartley, chairman of the organising committee, acknowledged that some unionists may not want to commemorate an event that effectively paved the way for Irish independence.

But he added: "What I find inside loyalist communities is there are many, many people who are already engaging in history and hopefully we can create a template where we can deal with what I call the combustible period of Irish history in a way that allows engagement and discourse.".

South Belfast UPRG spokesman Jackie McDonald last night said the involvement of loyalists depended on how republicans handle the centenary.

"Those planning the Easter Rising events need to be open and mindful of others' views and opinions," he said.

"I would accept that there is a lack of awareness about historic events and next year will also see the centenary of the Battle of the Somme so this could, if properly handled - I stress that - be an opportunity to hear stories and learn about shared history."