Markievicz and Wolfe Tone vision of unity still valid

This Tuesday was the birthday of Constance Markievicz. Her father was an Anglo-Irish landlord, who provided free food at Lissadell House during the famine.

During the Easter Rising, Constance was second-in-command to Michael Mallin in St Stephen’s Green. In 1918, she became the first woman elected to the House of Commons, and the first Irish female cabinet minister.

The current debate about Irish unity focuses on whether nationalists are in favour of it.

Constance Markievicz shows that this discussion shouldn’t focus on nationalists, but should also include unionists.

They will also benefit from Irish unity, through larger representation and economic gains. Wolfe Tone’s vision to unite Catholic, Protestant, and dissenter, under the common name of Irishmen, is as valid today as it was in 1798.

Patrick Bamming

Portland Street

Dublin 1