Collins and the Provos

national | miscellaneous | opinion/analysis Wednesday January 05, 2005 04:28 by Peter Quinn - www.irishgaels.com

In August 1984 the Dublin Governments Minister for Justice gave the oration at Beal na nBlath at the site where Michael Collins was killed by anti-treaty IRA men. Noonan told the crowd that they should follow Michael Collins as an example (I'm not sure if many of you are into selling out your country, but whatever floats your boat I suppose).

During this speech he was also rebutting the legitimacy of the Provisional IRA however the question has to be asked, whats the difference? Many people claim the 'Old IRA' and the PIRA are completly different and chastise the PIRA at every chance you get and glorify the Old IRA when it suits. It is time for a reality check.

Well lets look at Collins, the perfect example.

When the Black and Tans came to Ireland what did Collins do?
He imported guns from the USA, robbed Irish Banks and Post offices.

How did Collins deal with the RIC?
Quite frankly he was ruthless. He identified that these men were tools of British rule in Ireland and he directed his men against them much like the PIRA targetting of RUC and UDR. Did they have to be on duty for Collins, of course not. They were shot on or off duty coming home from Mass, in front of their families etc etc.

How did Collins deal with the British Military on the streets of Dublin?
By bomb and grenade. Unfortunatly as in some PIRA operations civilians were killed. In one five month period in the Tan War 46 Civilians were killed and 163 wounded by these tactics.

How did Collins deal with informers?
A bullet to the back of the head and a label saying "Spies and informers beware".

How did Collins deal with Agents of British rule in Ireland?
His squad was directed against them en masse and they were riddled. One Sunday morning one agent was shot next to his wife and two children.

How did Collins deal with Media Outlets condemning the IRA?
At the Irish Independent the editor was held at gunpoint and the entire printing machinary was destroyed.

I don't know about everyone else but Mr Noonan actually made a good defense of the Provos in telling people to follow Collins as an example.