Michael Collins’s willingness to compromise still relevant today, commemoration hears
Historian David McCullagh discussed the legacy of Michael Collins at an annual commemoration, emphasizing his pragmatism and willingness to compromise as key to Irish independence. The talk aimed to move beyond the 'mythical' military image of Collins to highlight his diplomatic and political achievements.
Why it matters
Re-evaluating historical figures provides context for modern political discourse and the importance of negotiation in state-building.
Michael Collins ’s willingness to compromise was as crucial to achieving a free Ireland as his military exploits, broadcaster and historian David McCullagh has said.
McCullagh, the author of critically acclaimed biographies about Éamon de Valera and John A Costello, spoke at the annual Michael Collins Commemoration in Béal na Bláth, Co Cork . He said it is often difficult to distinguish between “the actual Michael Collins of real life and the mythical Collins”.
The RTÉ presenter said many people’s image of Collins is the photograph of him in uniform at the funeral of Arthur Griffith. However, this focus on the military man can take away from other aspects of his complex career, particularly his role as a fundraiser for the Irish revolution.
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