Michael Collins to be remembered in Sligo

The life and times of one of the most divisive figures in the history of Irish politics will be remembered at an event in Sligo tonight.

Michael Collins is best known as one of the leaders of the War of Independence, and for signing the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty which brought about partition.

Tonight's event includes the screening of a rare documentary about Collins which was banned under Ted Heath's government in the 1970s.

Fine Gael TD John Perry denies that his party is looking to past glories to boost low morale: “Fine Gael has a great history and a great future, and I think we’ve a wonderful future under the current leader Enda Kenny, who I believe will be the next Taoiseach.

“The institutions of the state were founded by Fine Gael and the ambition and determination of Michael Collins, and I think it is very important to tell that story to a whole new generation of people,” he said.