TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith were among a large number of dignitaries who attended the annual ceremony of remembrance in Enniskillen at the weekend.
The Taoiseach laid a wreath of green laurels at the town’s war memorial on Belmore Street, continuing a tradition set in recent years.
The Taoiseach also visited last year and his successor, Enda Kenny, also attended Enniskillen Remembrance Day ceremonies when he was Taoiseach.
Mr Varadkar was joined by the Secretary of state Julian Smith, who contributed to the proceedings by laying down a wreath on behalf of the UK government.
Leader of the DUP, Arlene Foster was also there to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing were 11 people were killed during an explosion at the town’s cenotaph during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony. A 12th victim Ronnie Hill, slipped into a coma two days afterwards and died thirteen years later.
John Jones, chairman of the Enniskillen Royal British Legion welcomed the gathering of political rivals on Remembrance Day, as commemorating together in his view will “help move things forward.” He added, “It is great to see the Taoiseach up in Enniskillen. I believe it has always helped to move things forward. We must move forward, but we must never forget the past.”
SDLP councillor Paul Blake was part of the council’s delegation on the day. He welcomed the presence of Leo Varadkar and acknowledged the important role that he played on the day. “I strongly appreciate the involvement of the government in the South in remembering” Mr Blake said.
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