If any party has a right to claim to be followers of Collins’s legacy, it is FF

NOT only was Senator Liam Twomey’s attack on Finance Minsiter Brian Lenihan out of order, it was also historically inaccurate and, as a student of history, I feel I should correct this.

Senator Twomey claims Fianna Fáil are the “polar opposite” of what Michael Collins and Fine Gael stand for. This, however, is a a dubious claim. Collins was the man who, during the Anglo-Irish Treaty debates, declared it the freedom to achieve freedom, a stepping stone.

It was Éamon de Valera, however, who made use of this freedom slowly to dismantle the treaty, regaining the treaty ports, establishing the office of president, etc, while at the same time Fine Gael candidates (FG having been founded in 1933, 11 years after the death of Collins) ran under the policy of remaining under the British Commonwealth.

So, in fact, if any party has a right to claim to be the followers of Collins’s legacy, it is Fianna Fáil.

I notice while Fine Gael are more than willing to claim Collins as a sort of mythical founder figure, we never hear them extol the virtues of Eoin O’Duffy, personal friend to Collins and one of the founders of their party. I wonder why?

The only party Collins was ever a member of was Sinn Féin. Even Cumann na nGaedhael, Fine Gael’s predecessor, was not founded until 1923, a year after Collins’s death.

Considering Senator Twomey was elected to the Seanad on the Culture and Education panel he shows an astonishing lack of knowledge of the history of his party and his country.

Perhaps he is blinded by party colours as I understand he joined Fine Gael late in the game. Truly no one is more fanatical than a convert.

As well as being wholly wrong about historical matters, Senator Twomey also showed a massive lack of tact and taste by suggesting Minister Lenihan should not continue in his post due to his health problems.

The only person who should be dispensing wisdom is Mr Lenihan’s own doctor and for some other person to offer such unasked-for opinions in the public domain displays utter ignorance. Brian Lenihan deserves nothing less than our admiration and respect for his dedication to his country in circumstances which would cause a lesser man to quit public life (with no dishonour I might add). For anyone to attack such brave actions is an attack on an Irish patriot at a time when there are few enough of them. Whether or not you agree with Mr Lenihan’s policies you cannot but admire such spirit and strength.

I make all these comments and criticism as a political neutral, from a house of political neutrals. Had a member of any other party made such comments I would be just as quick to criticise. As a great man once said: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts”.

Senator Twomey aside, I think the Béal na mBláth commemoration should not be held on next Sunday. Cork are playing Dublin in Croke Park that day and as a Corkman, GAA supporter and true Rebel I think we all know which event Collins would rather attend.

Tadhg Murphy

Riverview

Reavouler

Drinagh

Dunmanway

Co Cork