07/03/2002

Sinn Féin launch Easter Lily campaign

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said the past year had been both a "challenging and very difficult year" for republicans and the peace process.

Mr Adams was speaking after his party’s launch of their annual Easter Sunday Commemoration events and lily campaign.

The IRA move to decommission last year, which saved the peace process from collapse he said, had presented many problems for republicans.

However he said the year ahead was both an exciting and positive prospect.

“Those who have shunned the idea of Irish unity are now talking about it as a matter of policy. In the year ahead we must develop this debate with other parties, campaign groups and indeed unionism.”

Speaking from their offices in Stormont Sinn Féin resident Gerry Adams said Easter, which marks the 86th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, was an important time for Irish Republicans.

Mr Adams said: “It is a time for remembering our friends and colleagues who have given their lives and freedom in pursuit of our republican ideals and goals. It is a time for reflecting on these goals.”

There are over 40 major commemorations throughout the island scheduled to take place and scores of smaller events.

“I am appealing to people to wear an Easter Lily and to make this Easter Sunday’s commemorations and events bigger and better than ever before,” he said.

(AMcE)

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