Micheál Martin to be first Fianna Fáil leader to address Béal na Blá

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said 2022 is 'an important and sensitive year for commemorations' and having two leaders appear at Béal na Blá together will be 'fitting'. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will become the first Fianna Fáil leader to address the annual Michael Collins commemoration at Béal na Blá when he speaks alongside his Fine Gael counterpart, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Traditionally seen as a Fine Gael-led event because of its historical ties to the Irish revolutionary, Mr Martin will be the highest-ranking member of Fianna Fáil to address the event on August 21, following the late Brian Lenihan Jr, who spoke when finance minister in 2011.