VIDEO: Modern Ireland ‘has much to learn from Michael Collins’ says George Hook

Irish politicians have a lust for power and have totally forgotten the lessons of probity and good character left by Michael Collins, hundreds of attendees at the annual Béal na Bláth ceremony in West Cork heard yesterday.

Broadcaster George Hook, who delivered the keynote oration, said Collins had an integrity which was best evidenced from recent archives which revealed that he submitted petrol expenses to WT Cosgrave but only after he had deducted personal mileage.

“It was typical of the man… Ivor Callely obviously did not study Collins,” said Mr Hook.