Irish History Corner

Irish History - When the Irish Could Finally Govern - “ We Ourselves”

The Irish political party Sinn Fein (pronounced shin feign) has always had a goal that Ireland would govern itself.  Translated to English, the phrase Sinn Fein translates to “Ourselves” or “We Ourselves”. Arthur Griffith, revolutionary founder of Sinn Fein insisted that Ireland would never prosper unless it was governed by “We Ourselves”.

In 1922, when Ireland was granted status as the “Irish Free State”, Griffith made a commanding speech.  He stated, “As a Free State, Ireland at last regains the power of shaping and molding her own way of life. We have justly blamed England for the disappearance of our language and culture. We have rightly blamed England for the fertile lands let run to waste, for the empty harbors, for the decayed industries, for the emigrant-ship and the workhouse.” He demanded that, “we cannot do this in the future. If our culture decays and disappears, if our people be landless when land abounds, if our country remains deforested and undrained, if the emigration of the young and vigorous continues, if our harbors remain derelict and our fisheries unworked. If our commerce stagnates and our industries remain undeveloped, if the jail, the barrack, and the poorhouse continue to be prominent features of our landscape. – if these things endure, then no longer can we blame British tyranny. The blame must rest with ourselves”. He insisted the Irish could no longer shirk the responsibility of building up their nation.

In 1949, Ireland gained total independence from the British Commonwealth. It would be governed by the Irish themselves!  But the country’s economy still struggled, and in the 1950s, many still emigrated. However, when the Irish Republic joined the Common Market, things improved, and by 1980 the Irish standard of living equaled that of the British for the first time. Today, analysts report that Ireland has emerged as one of Europe's fastest-growing economic hubs. Ireland is a key global player in the tech and pharmaceutical industries, hosting major firms such as Apple, Pfizer, and Facebook. Presently, Ireland is facing some housing problems. Yet, researchers expect the Irish economy to remain one of the strongest performers in the European Union. The vision of Arthur Griffith is being realized. He would be proud; the Irish, when given a chance, did it themselves. 

-Bill Burke.  Sources FocusEcomomics Ireland Eco Data &Projections Oct.2025, The Rise of Ireland You Tube Oct 2023, The Irish Uprising 1916-1922 Rego Irish Records and Tapes courtesy B. Kelleher.