1798 - 1998
Two hundred years of Irish republicanism
THE 1798 rebellion was one of the defining moments in modern
Irish history.
Its legacy and that of the people who led it in the United
Irishmen's movement transformed the political landscape of this
country and has informed all political developments since.
Two hundred years later, every nationalist party finds it
necessary to at least make reference to the thinking and ideals
of those leaders in their party political programmes. Indeed,
such was the impact of the United Irishmen that many Unionists
even find the need to claim ownership of the Unitedmen.
But despite all the rhetoric, the United Irishmen were inspired
by the French Revolution and were fundamentally republican in
outlook, seeking to break the connection with England as a means
to resolve Ireland's ills.
Though Ireland had its own parliament in Dublin at the time, it
was not democratic but was controlled by the landed aristocracy
and failed to address underlying sectarian inequalities in
society. Its powers were emasculated by London, giving it
effectively no control of economic matters.
Believing the resolution of these problems impossible within the
context of the link with England, Theobald Wolfe Tone and others
resolved to break that connection. Founding the United Irishmen's
movement they believed that to establish Irish independence it
was essential to unite Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters
under the common name of Irishmen. Their efforts culminated in
the Rising of 1798.
The bicentenary of the rising will be commemorated next year and
the contribution. of these visionaries to Ireland acknowledged.
There will be lectures, debates and discussions bringing together
academics, observers and political commentators, many of whom
will come from the revisionist school of historians who have
tried to rewrite history, legitimising England's involvement in
Ireland. Many of them will present interpretations of the period
which have more to do with attacking present day republicans than
with understanding events of the.time.
It is important that modern republicans play a part in the
commemorations and take an active role in the debates that will
surround them. The legacy of the period is the common heritage of
all Irish people regardless of party, but such an important
anniversary cannot be allowed to pass without the essential
anti-sectarian message of the United Irishmen being remembered.
During 1998 An Phoblacht will carry comprehensive coverage of the
many events organised to commemorate the 1798 rebellion together
with regular features on its history in different areas.
During the year we will also analyse the political legacy left by
the formation of Irish republicanism two hundred years ago and
its relevance today for modern Irish politics.
Follow the history, the politics and the debate each week by
bookmarking An Phoblacht.
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