Discovering Ireland: Legacy, Claims and Future
The English version of my article, originally published in the German newspaper Heimatkurier, is now available on the website. link
Legacy
For centuries, Ireland has been home to a rich and diverse cultural identity, steeped in age-old traditions and an ancestral language, Irish. The Irish are Celtic islanders who settled on the island around 500 BC. Ireland is a strongly Christian land, as evidenced by the evangeliser and patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Irish clerics, through their Celtic spirituality, contributed to Christian theology and spiritual life in Europe, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and celebrated today, with the Book of Kells, a masterpiece of medieval illumination, bearing witness to Ireland's rich heritage.
In Ireland, as in Europe, the historical heritage is mixed with myth and reality, like the illustrious national hero Brian Boru, the 10th-century Irish king famous for unifying Ireland under his reign and for his decisive victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
The Irish language is another pillar of Irish identity, having survived centuries of domination and repression. Although its everyday use has diminished over time, Irish remains a living language, permeating Ireland's literature, music and culture. Ongoing efforts are being made to preserve and promote this ancient language, reflecting its importance as a vital link between past, present and future.
Claims
Ireland under English rule: the fight for independence.
Ireland's history is marked by a long struggle for independence. From the twelfth century onwards, Ireland suffered a series of English invasions and occupations, which forged the Irish character as both combative and resilient. The year 1798 remains engraved in Irish history as a tumultuous and tragic chapter in the struggle for independence. The United Irishmen, emblematic figures of the Irish resistance, symbolised this popular determination in the face of British oppression. Their involvement in the Rebellion of 1798 was a powerful act against British rule. However, this rebellion was violently repressed, resulting in the massacre of many Irish patriots by British imperial forces. The execution of Robert Emmet in 1803, aged just 23, after his brave attempt to lead an uprising in Dublin, added another dark chapter to this tumultuous period. These events prompted the British Empire to enact the Act of Union in 1801, which formally united Ireland and Great Britain. However, far from putting an end to resistance, the Act fuelled new revolts, with the 1801 revolt being a direct continuation of the 1798 revolt, testifying to the Irish people's persistent desire for independence. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw the emergence of various Irish nationalist movements.
The independence movement: key figures and events.
The early twentieth century was a period of political ferment with the formation of groups such as Sinn Féin and the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). The Easter Rebellion of 1916, although brutally suppressed, was a turning point.
John Mitchel's "Jail Journal" and Patrick Pearse's "The Coming Revolution" are two emblematic works of Irish literature of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Written by key figures in the Irish movement, these texts still resonate today with their passion and commitment to Irish freedom. "Jail Journal" recounts John Mitchel's experiences of imprisonment for his activism, providing a vivid insight into the brutality of the British occupation. This book greatly inspired Patrick Pearse, the author of "The Coming Revolution", best known for his role as leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, which evoked a vision of a future free from foreign oppression, inspiring generations of Irish people. These works inspired modern nationalism in Europe throughout the 20th century, including Breton, Corsican and Welsh nationalism. Leaders like Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Éamon de Valera inspired generations of activists across Europe. They are powerful testaments to the struggle for national sovereignty and the ongoing quest for justice and dignity.
Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), led by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) under leaders such as Michael Collins, culminated in the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. This treaty established the Irish Free State, while keeping Northern Ireland under British rule, laying the foundations for future conflict. Indeed, the period known as "Na Trioblóidí" (The Troubled Years), which lasted from 1968 to 1998, was marked by clashes between Irish nationalists (republicans and Catholics) and British unionists (Protestants and monarchists). Ireland still bears the scars of this conflict. What's more, the recent Brexit has rekindled tensions over Northern Ireland. Ireland remains a member of the European Union, while Northern Ireland is no longer, creating an inconsistency that only an administration can create, and reactivating the divisions between England and Ireland.
Future : All for Ireland.
Today, Ireland is facing economic, social and cultural pressures that threaten its stability. The consequences of Brexit, the migration invasion, high taxation, a housing crisis and falling living standards are of concern to many Irish people. Yet modern Ireland is a dynamic and growing nation. Since the Good Friday Peace Agreement in 1998, the island has enjoyed a period of relative stability and prosperity. The Republic of Ireland, a member of the European Union, has become one of the world's fastest growing economies, dubbed the "Celtic Tiger". Dublin, its capital, is a leading cultural and technological centre. However, these challenges are holding back Ireland's prosperity and development. Despite this, a new hope is emerging with the Irish National Party (NP), which represents a significant turning point in the Irish political landscape. It is the first nationalist group to be formed in Ireland since 2016, offering a new perspective and potential solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Since its creation, it has rapidly emerged as a central player, organising the biggest nationalist conferences across the country. A unique aspect of the National Party is its youth section, the Óige Náisiúnach, run with passion and dedication. They are active throughout the country. This youth section, a first in the nationalist movement, demonstrates the dynamism and commitment of the NP to the future of Ireland. The essence of the NP is its vision for Ireland, inspired by the words of Patrick Pearse: "not free merely but Gaelic as well, not Gaelic merely but free as well". This vision is reflected in bold initiatives such as the transformation of all primary and secondary schools into "Gaelscoileanna", reflecting a deep attachment to the language. The NP also stands out for its independence from British influences, positioning itself as the only nationalist group with no links to British loyalists. Through its commitment to Ireland and its people, the NP represents hope for a genuinely Irish future, free from foreign influence and rooted in the values and traditions of the nation.
This movement, which is part of a long-standing Irish tradition, seeks to revitalise the Irish political scene by defending Irish independence, prioritising Irish citizens in access to housing and employment, and opposing excessive immigration. The Irish people have honoured themselves by demonstrating throughout the country against the arrival of migrants. Popular reaction is the first condition for re-immigration.
The National Party is also seeking to strengthen its links with other European nationalist movements, aware of the crucial importance of solidarity between the peoples of Europe in defending Europe. This objective is reflected in their participation in the European elections on 9 June, where they aspire to make the voice of European patriots heard in Parliament. By pursuing this approach, the National Party aims to defend an Irish Ireland and a European Europe.