Varadkar says: Irish people must reclaim 'great forgotten' legacy of Arthur Griffith

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Helen McEntee at the commemoration ceremony in  Glasnevin Cemetary Image: Gráinne Ní       Aodha/PA 

Leo Varadkar has said Irish people must reclaim the memory of Arthur Griffith, whose achievements have been "largely forgotten" 100 years after his death.

Varadkar was speaking at a memorial service for Griffith and Michael Collins, which will mark their 100th anniversary on August 22.

Both died 10 days apart during the Civil War.

Varadkar said: “As we know, Michael Collins was heartbroken at the death of Arthur Griffith and hailed him as ‘the father of us all’. I suspect he would be even more upset at the way Griffith has been largely forgotten by so many who enjoy the freedoms he gave his life to secure.

“So today, I would like to use this oration to remember our enormous debt to him and reclaim his memory for the 21st century.

"The medical report of Griffith's death shows his commitment to the cause of Irish freedom. His own physician acknowledged that he had urged with him for years to take a break, even a brief one, but to no effect. The doctor stated, "He was 51 years old and I can safely say he had not taken a vacation in 30 years." People acknowledged that Griffith was "a martyr to duty" when he died.

Along with Drew Harris, the Garda commissioner, and Major General Anthony McKenna, the deputy commander of staff of the Defence Forces, other attendees included Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

A wreath was placed on the lawn of Leinster House on Thursday in honour of the anniversary of Griffith's passing on August 12, 1922.

The unofficial memorial service was planned in response to complaints that the anniversary of Griffith's passing was not being appropriately observed.

Griffith, one of the leading nationalist activists in the early 20th century, formed Sinn Féin in 1905.

Although Griffith did not participate in the Easter Rising, he founded and served as editor of The United Irishman newspaper, and he was nonetheless detained afterward.

The early 20th century was characterised by worry, but Griffith transformed it into an era of belief, according to Varadkar. He used the media to inform, inspire, and educate his audience while convincing them of the potential that independence would bring in terms of the economy, society, and politics.

"He expressed his desire for independence and encouraged others to do the same."As we all know, Sinn Féin was afterwards utilised by those who never made an effort to comprehend or adhere to the ideas for which individuals like Griffith and Collins had sacrificed their lives."

Griffith promoted abstentionism, and after the 1918 election, Sinn Féin refused to accept Westminster in favour of establishing a parliament and government in Dublin.

According to Varadkar, Griffith had a broad and inclusive vision for Ireland and met with unionist leaders because he understood that any discussion of our shared island needed to start with the principles of "fair play for all sections and understanding between all sections"—principles that are just as relevant today as they were a century ago.

“He was pivotal in ensuring that the Treaty gave Ireland fiscal sovereignty and control of trade policy. It’s hard to know what he would have thought of European integration and its single market, customs union and single currency.”