Battle lines drawn ahead of 1916 commemoration

The controversy is coalescing around various issues, including an invitation to the British royal family to take part in the events, writes Michael Brennan.

A crowd gathers outside the rubble of the GPO in April 1916, following a bombardment by British forces. Picture: Getty

Four Air Corps Pilatus PC9 airplanes will be flying over the GPO today for the 98th anniversary of the Easter Rising. But the real battle over 1916 is about what will happen in two years' time.

Already, there have been rows about inviting the British royal family, preserving the final headquarters of the 1916 leaders in Moore Street and preventing dissident republicans from hijacking the event.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has agreed to have ...