The Green Party said today that the Government had a duty to Ireland’s history and heritage to purchase Patrick Pearse’s letter of surrender, which is to be auctioned tomorrow, and ensure that it remained in the State, on display for the public.
Speaking today, Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin TD said: “The Government must intervene at this late stage to ensure that this hugely significant piece of history comes into public ownership, where it belongs. The historical and heritage value of this letter of surrender is huge - I have no doubt that the monetary cost of this letter pales in comparison. Why do we have a Minister for Arts and Heritage if not to protect items and intervene in situations like this? Surely Minister Heather Humphries can find room in her Department’s budget to prioritise securing this letter for the Irish public.
“The Government have spent a huge amount of money commemoration the centenary of the 1916 rising. By purchasing this letter the Government will provide a lasting legacy of this centenary year – one that will endure for a long time after the parades and ceremonies of 2016 fade from memory.”