1916 & Tom Johnson’s Legacy (Letter to the Editor)
Madam, – The success of the recent commemorative events is in no doubt. The important task of re-establishing the legitimacy of Irish republicanism has been furthered. However, in all the commentary about the Rising and the subsequent founding of our State one name has been shamefully omitted. That name and that man is Tom Johnson.
Following the Rising, Tom Johnson, as president of the Trade Union Congress and Labour Party, skilfully worked for the continued unity of working people throughout Ireland. He subsequently led the Anti-Conscription Committee, drafted the Democratic Programme of the first Dáil and was Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann in the important initial years of our independent parliament. Throughout his adult life he worked to turn James Connolly’s ideals into a living reality.
Ireland should never forget Tom Johnson or the debt he is owed. – Yours, etc,
Cllr Dermot Lacey
