It is difficult to over-emphasise the importance of today’s Somme Commemorations in Dublin; while this event is something that should not have taken 90 years to come to fruition it does not take away from the fact that this country is reaching a level of international maturity that has held relations on this island back for decades.
Irrelevant of the grandstanding and to/fro politics of Northern Irelands elected representatives on both sides of the community this belated recognition of the role Irishmen played in the battle of the Somme is the most public embodiment of the movement within the Republic towards a greater relationship with Unionists.
Interestingly it seemed to take some negative events, the Northern Bank robbery and murder of Robert McCartney in particular for Unionist politicians to finally realise that their real enemy is not the Republic, its Government or its people and it is not even the forward-thinking Nationalist community represented by peaceful politics.
It was at this point that parties like the DUP, who generally seemed to have nothing but a disregard for the Irish state, realised that a working relationship between the entire island was not a step towards re-unification but instead a rational and sensible part of inter-national co-operations.
From the DUP recognising North/South bodies, showing encouraging signs towards greater trade links and even avoiding the potential to trash Ireland after the Dublin riots and instead offer it praise; all of these moments showed that the ice was thawing.
Today’s commemoration, attended by an Taoiseach, the President as well as representatives of the DUP is a huge moment for this country. Finally we are stepping out of our denial and our ignorance and finally we are being mature members of the international community. Unionists have become less sceptical of the benefits of a closer relationship and thankfully Ireland has so far done what it can to encourage this. While the 1916 Rising celebrations have been and are sure to remain a bone of contention between the two sides perhaps the way that event passed may make things less controversial next time; although that is another matter.
It is worth pointing out that on another level of maturity Ireland seems to be making these advances for the right reasons; it is growing up and respecting this islands history in the fullest, it is not trying to pay lip service to anyone in the hope that it will lure them into something they currently oppose. Éamon Ó Cuív has fielded the idea of Ireland re-joining the Commonwealth as a sign of goodwill to Unionists; as such a move holds no other benefit for this country at all this is the kind of glad-handing that is best avoided.
While being cautious of sounding over-dramatic this day is a vitally important one in the future of the entire island, regardless of what November 24th brings. With or without devolution in the near future at least we can hold greater hope of a more positive, honest and open one, regardless of your political or national affiliation.