Speaker Newton Represents Assembly at Dublin Somme Commemoration
Synopsis: The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Robin Newton MBE, MLA will be among those attending the Battle of the Somme Commemoration at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge in Dublin tomorrow. The event is being hosted by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D.
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 07 July 2016
Reference: SO 02/16/17
The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Robin Newton MBE, MLA will be among those attending the Battle of the Somme Commemoration at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge in Dublin tomorrow. The event is being hosted by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D.
The Speaker said: “Given the huge loss of life and its impact on our history, it is only fitting that the Battle of the Somme has been marked by a range of events within our society, including at the Assembly two weeks ago.
“With my responsibilities for representing the entire Assembly, it is important that I should be involved in emphasising that the Somme did not just affect one part of our community. I am therefore pleased to be able to represent the Assembly at the commemoration in Dublin.
The Speaker concluded: “The annual event at Islandbridge is traditionally organised by the Royal British Legion of Ireland, but by hosting it during this centenary year, the Taoiseach has demonstrated the importance of remembering the fallen of the Somme by coming together and putting politics aside. That is entirely appropriate to recognise that young men on opposing sides of the political divide here went out to fight and die side by side in common cause at the Somme.”
ENDS
