Northern Ireland

Mary Lou McDonald calls for joint Irish-British rule if Stormont impasse continues

The annual National Graves Association Easter Rising commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus
The annual National Graves Association Easter Rising commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus The annual National Graves Association Easter Rising commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus

SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on the British and Irish governments to implement joint authority over Northern Ireland should the political impasse at Stormont continue.

Ms McDonald told crowds at the main Easter Rising commemoration in Belfast, organised by the National Graves Association, that "direct rule cannot and must not happen."

"Such a move would be an effective binning of the agreement and its power-sharing institutions," she said.

"In the absence of the power-sharing institutions the alternative is not direct rule but a new British-Irish partnership – a joint authority - to implement the agreements and safeguard rights."

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The British government has previously ruled out the possibility of such an arrangement.

The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus. The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.

Ms McDonald said there is "no support or justification for armed actions" following the murder of 29-year-old journalist Lyra McKee in Derry on Thursday, after she was fatally struck by shots fired during rioting by dissident republicans.

"We extend our sympathy and solidarity to her family, to Sara and to all who loved her," she said.

"There is no cause progressed by armed actions... the war is over.

"So it is past time for these groups that masquerade as republicans to pack up. To cease their activities and let the people get on with building the Ireland we all want. The Ireland in which Lyra McKee should have lived.

"A united Ireland of shared prosperity and equal opportunity...where you can be British, Irish, both or neither," added Ms McDonald.

The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus. The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.

Thousands lined the Falls Road as the parade left from Beechmount Avenue and made its way to the Garden of Remembrance at Milltown Cemetery.

The commemoration was headed by four black taxis, followed a man and woman dressed in 1916 uniform accompanied by an Irish wolfhound.

Ms McDonald was a short distance behind, flanked by different generations of republicans, in Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey on one side and veteran IRA member Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane on the other.

Gerry Adams at the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Gerry Adams at the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus. Gerry Adams at the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was part of a group carrying a banner which read ''North American Trade Unions supporting Irish Unity'.

His successor paid tribute to the role of the US and Irish-America, saying there would have been 'no Rising' and 'no peace process' without the involvement of Americans.

A range of flute bands provided the music, while deceased republicans were remembered by family members carrying photos.

The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus. The annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.

The National Graves Association said it had suffered a 'great loss' since last Easter with the death of Annie Cahill, wife of former IRA leader Joe, who traditionally recited the rosary at the commemoration.

At Milltown Cemetery, there was a rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann and the Last Post, a decade of the rosary was recited, and Belfast councillor Charlene O'Hara read the Proclamation.

Mary Lou McDonald addresses the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast, yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Mary Lou McDonald addresses the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast, yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus. Mary Lou McDonald addresses the annual National Graves Association Easter Sunday Commemoration in Belfast, yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The main Easter Rising parade in Belfast ended with a service at the Garden of Remembrance at Milltown Cemetery. Picture by Ann McManus
The main Easter Rising parade in Belfast ended with a service at the Garden of Remembrance at Milltown Cemetery. Picture by Ann McManus The main Easter Rising parade in Belfast ended with a service at the Garden of Remembrance at Milltown Cemetery. Picture by Ann McManus