Irish Examiner view: Parties move on from past hatred

Has Ireland reached the point of 'grown-up politics'?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin passes the armoured car Sliabh na mBan which was part of the Michael Collins convoy, arriving at the commemoration of the centenary of the death of Michael Collins at Béal na Bláth on Sunday. Picture: Larry Cummins

A marriage that should have been consummated a long time ago. That’s one view of the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil love-in that characterised the commemoration ceremonies at Béal na Bláth on Sunday when, remarkably, Micheál Martin became the first Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach to address the proceedings, alongside Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar.

Ireland has been embroiled in “Civil War politics” since August 22, 1922, when Collins was killed by the bullet of an anti-Treaty gun; in a conflict he tried to prevent and — once it began — was determined to end.