The Government offered no advice to President Michael D Higgins [1] on whether or not he should attend a centenary church commemoration of partition and the establishment of Northern Ireland.
A Government source told the Irish Times the President may consult with the Taoiseach if he or she believes that an invitation from outside the State could be contentious. The Department of Foreign Affairs, which handles Northern Ireland, may also be consulted, but was not in this case.
In a letter to the President the Independent Group of Senators said they were uncertain as to why he was not in a position to attend the event, but “we are deeply concerned it may be misinterpreted”.
They added: “We earnestly suggest, if possible that you should reconsider the matter with a view to attending the event as we believe your attendance has significant potential to advance the cause of reconciliation between the different traditions in Northern Ireland and on this island.”