The Taoiseach says the best way to honour those who suffered and died during the Great Famine is by showing empathy with those who are experiencing similar problems today, whether through natural disaster or oppression.
Leo Varadkar made his comments in Sligo during the National Famine Commemoration yesterday afternoon.
It was a highly-choreographed and solemn event that included music, song, prayers, poetry and readings, as well as military ceremony and wreath-laying.
The attendance included an array of religious leaders, and 48 ambassadors or representatives of countries from around the world, reflecting the global consequences of the famine in Ireland over 170 years ago.
The Taoiseach described the famine as ‘the single most traumatic event in Irish history.’
And in his speech, he spoke at length about the devastation it caused in Sligo.
