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Michael Collins Inspiring an Inspired Fine Gael Leader to ‘Success’
Read more about: Fine Gael, Uncategorized
Fine Gael is knee-deep in early 20th Century references at the moment, replete with the inspiration of Arthur Griffith and, now, the Principles of Michael Collins. Speaking at another bloody summer school, Enda Kenny was proud (subs Req’d) to show off his latest celebrity endorsement.
“Many may have disagreed with Collins’s politics,” he said. “But no one could doubt his principles. And 84 years on, they’re the principles that drive Fine Gael - the principles on which we will fight the next election.”Highlighting Collins’s administrative talents, he said: “I’m proud to say that Collins’s mission, of success and accountability, in managing the country’s finances, in getting our wealth working for the people - all the people - is the Fine Gael mission for the next government of this country.”
Good to hear, but it is all very convenient that a man of the stature of Michael Collins couldn’t extend himself beyond some (rather vague) notion of accountability and the (commonplace in politics) desire for success, a little like a man of the stature of Enda Kenny cant really manage to expand the gap between Fine Gael and Fine Fail a full 100% to two Rizlas.
Thankfully Michael Collins was using the 1920s as a foundation to electoral success in 2007. The great man knew his princples of accountability could be used to fill in for Enda’s particular shade of greying blandness.
Perhaps more versed in history than I would like to tease out exactly the prinicples of Collins (I dont doubt for a second that they were plentiful, complex and engaging), my own suspicion is that the ol Michael Collins banner fits neatly over the chasm where imagination and creative politics were intended to be.
P.s. Anyone know Michael’s principles vis-a-vie Monarchy, particularly of the British sort?
Since when has the annual Collins commemoration at Bealnablath been a summer school? Or are we not letting the facts get in the way of a good slapdown?
When has a summer school actually been a school?
ok so its not a summer school, its certainly a summer-school type showboating speech
It was a stand alone speech much like Bodenstown. There wasn’t anything summer schoolery (school building not required) about it.
Sure it wasn’t Gettyburg, but show me a speech from any of the other party leaders from the last 5/10 years that really roasted your chestnuts and we can have a real discussion. Pat Rabbitte got a good line out in 2003 about those who think Labour voting Labour and he has spent the rest of his time snarling at his colleagues and the electorate since. Gerry Adams sings to the choir. Bertie Ahern is a dreadful public speaker. Harney is like a primary school teacher admonishing us all for not admiring the school play more. Sargent gets so pleased with himself when he has a good point to make that he makes it 4 or 5 times in the one sentence. I personally dislike the idea that what we need in Irish politics is electrifying messianic orators to save us from gloom.
Taoiseach Ahern’s speeches are certainly a triumph of substance over theatrics.
Here’s a recent favourite of mine
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=200&docID=2558