Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill says hurt over Dublin Remembrance Sunday event 'understandable'

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill said she "understands" why some people were upset by the party's decision to attend a Remembrance Sunday event in Dublin

The party's Lord Mayor, Tina MacVeigh, was criticized for attending the event at Dublin's Garden of Remembrance, which commemorates those who died in World War I and the Irish War of Independence.

Sinn Fein has traditionally abstained from attending such events, but Ms. O'Neill said the party's decision to attend this year was a "positive" one.

"I understand that some people were upset by our decision to attend the Remembrance Sunday event," she said. "But I believe it was a positive thing for us to do. "

Ms. O'Neill said the party's decision was made after "careful consideration" and that it was important to "reach out" to those who had been affected by the conflict.

"We are committed to building a shared future on this island," she said. "And that means reaching out to those who have been affected by the conflict, regardless of their background. "

Sinn Fein's decision to attend the event was welcomed by some, but it was also criticized by others.

Some members of the party's own base have accused the leadership of abandoning the party's republican principles.

The party has defended its decision, saying it is part of a wider strategy to build a shared future on the island of Ireland.

Sinn Féin is the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland and the second-largest party in the Republic of Ireland. The party has been a key player in the Northern Ireland peace process, and it is committed to a united Ireland.