Boxer to boycott RIC commemoration event

With the Government's plans to commemorate the contribution of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) at a special ceremony in Dublin Castle less than two weeks away, local Minister for State, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran is the latest high-profile figure who has declared his intention to boycott the event.
Minister Moran confirmed that he would not be attending the event scheduled for Dublin Castle on January 17 next.
He also called for the controversial commemoration to be postponed.
 He said this would allow”greater reflection on how best to deal with the wider issue of such commemorations.” Pointing that Ireland is at a “very sensitive period in our historic 100 year anniversaries”, he said the plans to commemorate those who served in the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police “while being led by good intentions, has failed to recognise the deep-seated feelings surrounding the force.”

Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Paddy Hill, from North Westmeath, will also not be taking up an invitation.

“The RIC worked hand in hand with the Black and Tans, who were a terrorist organisation, and there’s not a family in this country who hasn’t got a horror story to tell about the way they were treated by the Black and Tans” said Cllr Hill,