It’s wrong to pick over Ireland’s past

Sir — Following the uproar concerning the commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, perhaps a change in approach to the nature of remembrance is required.

Initially, the project of memory was based around a ‘decade of commemoration’. This is where the difficulty arises, the use of the word commemoration in all its glory suggests a type of celebration. Unsurprisingly, this has caused intense turmoil for many, especially relating to the dreadful activities of the Black and Tans in Ireland and their irrefutable links to the RIC.

Nonetheless, the violence of this era was reflected through the actions of all the warring parties. We could spend hours arguing on the rights and wrongs of this period. For instance, many Irish men served in the RIC from its inception in 1822. Close to

500 members were killed during its duration, but their links to the British establishment meant the legacy of these men was tarnished; similar to thousands of Irish men who fought and lost their lives under the British in World War I, a legacy which, thankfully has recently been respectfully addressed.

Intriguingly, as Alvin Jackson has argued in Ireland 1798-1998 War, Peace and Beyond (2010), service with the British army also appears as a common characteristic of the IRA.

Tom Barry, the architect of the Kilmichael Ambush, was a veteran of the British army, as was Tom ‘Trigger Morris’ a leading IRA man in south Derry, previously, a decorated major within British ranks; even the legendary Michael Collins had an uncle in the RIC.

Collins with his acceptance of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, secured links with the British establishment which led to the Irish Civil War, an event which ultimately was one of Ireland’s great travesties due to the slaughter of Irish men through warfare and state executions.

The point being, all sides have historical British links and we cannot, nor should not, cherrypick aspects of our past to suit any singular agenda. Ireland’s history is much too complex to make such a sweeping and careless move.

If we replaced the slogan ‘decade of commemoration’ with ‘decade of reflection’ it may defuse the simmering tensions that currently exist. To reflect extinguishes any thought of celebration or recognition. Ireland’s past is soaked in the blood of many, and, as a nation, we should reflect, learn from, and appreciate that commemoration is too divisive as proved by last week’s reactions.

Declan Monaghan,

Tullamore, Co Offaly