SINN FÉIN representatives will meet with or take part in events with Prince Charles in Ireland this week, the party has said.
Party President Gerry Adams said this was a difficult decision because of the prince’s links with the British parachute regiment, the soldiers behind the Bloody Sunday murders.
“The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle meeting in Kilkenny yesterday discussed the upcoming visit of the Prince Charles to Ireland,” said Gerry Adams.
“At the time of the announcement of the visit I said that it should be an opportunity to promote reconciliation and build on the good work done by Martin McGuinness and the English Queen.
“Prince Charles is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment. A regiment of the British Army that has been responsible for killing of many Irish citizens including in Derry, Ballymurphy, Springhill and other communities across the north.
“But he also has been bereaved by the actions of republicans.
“Thankfully the conflict is over. But there remains unresolved injustices. These must be rectified and a healing process developed.
“There is a responsibility on us all to promote reconciliation and seek to promote healing.
“It is with that in mind that the Ard Chomhairle decided that Sinn Féin representatives will attend a number of events during this visit.”
The British prince will visit Clare, Galway and Sligo before going to Antrim and Down.
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