Opinion

Powerful symbolism at Flanders

It was entirely appropriate that the last overseas engagement to be completed by Enda Kenny before he stands down as taoiseach later this month was at the Island of Ireland Peace Park at Flanders in Belgium.

Mr Kenny travelled on Wednesday to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Messines, when nationalist and unionist soldiers fought courageously together in the trenches and died in huge numbers.

He was joined by representatives of the DUP, Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Ulster Unionist Party, among other politicians and community leaders, as well as Princess Astrid of Belgium and the Duke of Cambridge, in a powerful display of symbolism.

Public appreciation of the sacrifices made by both main Irish traditions during the First World War has increased considerably in recent years and the Messines ceremony was another important part of the wider process.