Taoiseach Simon Harris has condemned the “demons of division and fear” in political discourse at the commemoration of Michael Collins’ death. 

Speaking at Béal na Bláth, Co Cork, Mr Harris said Mr Collins was a “peacemaker who found a new path to freedom”. 

“The statesman who believed in democracy, and the consent of the people above all else,” he said. 

“Today, I am proud to come here as Taoiseach, to speak at this solemn spot where a giant of Irish history fell.” 

Mr Harris noted that Michael Collins “would have understood the challenges” facing Ireland today. 

“He would have understood that hope is crushed when challenges are allowed to seem endemic, overwhelming, insurmountable... when the demons of fear and division are allowed to thrive. 

“Today, we must stand together in defiance of the attempts to divide and distort.” 

Michael Collins is pictured in 1919. Picture by: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

The Taoiseach said “hate and violence” have become “common responses to difficult situations”. 

“Misinformation and lies are the greatest risk of democracy and peace in our time,” he said. “Nowhere is that more evident here than in the area of migration. 

“There is a small group of people who want a country whose history has been woven by mass emigration to diminish the value of migration.  

"They seek to create a division among those who were once forced to leave their home in search of a better life with others who are now seeking to do the same.   

“There are some who wave a tricolour and claim patriotism while betraying the founding principles this country prides itself on – freedom, equality, opportunity.” 

Mr Harris called on people to “call out the racism” and hate in Irish society. 

“This is a country of brightness, youth, dynamism, hope,” he said. “We are also a nation of laws.  It is vital we hold those who break our laws accountable.  

"Those who attack our security forces, who attack the democratically elected politicians. 

“In the same way, people who break our immigration laws will be held accountable too.” 

The Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Courtyard at Government Buildings, 07-08-2024. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Mr Harris is the third serving Taoiseach to address the commemoration for Michael Collins, who was ambushed and killed during the Irish Civil War. 

Mr Harris said along with remembering how Michael Collins died, we should also remember “why he lived”. 

“Michael Collins was not an observer of history: he made it,” he said. 

“Michael Collins believed in the resolve, ingenuity, and spirit of the Irish people. 

“Today he demands of us to do the same - we best honour his legacy by taking the bold steps that will ensure our country thrives in a rapidly changing world.” 

The Taoiseach called for a “hand-on-deck" mentality to “drive new thinking” in Ireland.