'Pragmatism of Michael Collins' needed to continue good relations between Ireland and UK

He said that Michael Collins was a ‘pragmatist’ who in conflict “had a ruthless streak to match his adversaries.”

“He was among those who negotiated and then championed The Treaty, knowing it might cost him his life.

Last month, at Barnsbury Street in Islington, where Collins was initiated into the IRB in 1909, a plaque honouring him was unveiled with the support of Islington Council.

It is part of Islington’s Irish Trail that honours the history of the Irish community in the area. As a 16-year-old Collins went to London from Cork in 1906 and got a job as a post office clerk. It was a city where emigrants, Irish included, were not always welcomed.

"It was also where at times during our lifetime Irish men and women planted bombs whose victims included civilians.

"The erection of that Collins plaque last month illustrates the potential of British-Irish relations. Our past happened. It should not be denied or glossed over.

But now is different and the future can be even better."

Mr Gorman said that the UK and Ireland has much to gain from good relations between the two countries.

"Given the ties of kinship between us and the practical benefits of cordial relations, being anti-British or anti-Irish makes no practical sense.

Earlier this month Leo Varadkar indicated frustration about his government’s limited engagements with London. At the time of the Good Friday Agreement the British-Irish relationship at government level provided positive example and leadership."

"That relationship needs to continue inspiring the necessary reconciliation between unionism and nationalism. The latest stalemate at Stormont is caused by the consequences of Brexit, as they affect Northern Ireland."

"The last Assembly election was held fifteen months ago. In the time since, the DUP has not taken its seats, effectively preventing the formation of a government."

"There was a similar vacuum, lasting three years, that ended in January 2020. In that instance, Sinn Féin had pulled out of power-sharing."

"The DUP may now be mulling over staying away from Stormont until beyond its party conference in the autumn. Then the temptation might be to delay returning until beyond the British general election."

"But dysfunction has consequences. The DUP may decide a stalemate serves its short-term interests, maintaining a united party included. But sitting on the side-lines, it runs the risk of becoming irrelevant. The unique trading relationship with the EU on offer to Northern Ireland is an opportunity, not a trap. On this island we have new challenges and our collective energy is required to deal with them."

Mr Gorman told attendees at the event that the Belfasts Agreement was critically enabled by both Ireland and the UK being members of the EU. He said that opinion polls consistently indicate that we are a “pro EU country.” 

“Our views (on Europe) were influenced by our knowledge of our circumstances before we joined and what has happened to us since."

"Britain’s history before EC membership in 1973 and its story since differs from ours."

Mr Gorman said that the Brexit debate reflected Britain’s discontent about its changing status and circumstances.

“And frustration with its ability to alter it. As a sovereign nation, it exercised its right to put the issue to the people. Britain is adjusting to the consequences of Brexit as it begins a new phase outside the European Union and pursues a different relationship with it."

"We too are adapting to the circumstances where the neighbouring island is no longer in the EU. It presents very practical challenges. But our status as an English-speaking country, with guaranteed access to EU markets, now has enhanced weight when seeking foreign direct investment."

"The Brexit decision has been made and the challenge now is to deal with the consequences."