Is McAleese wrong?

The Newsletter has a front page splash about President McAleese’s comments that many Irish men joined the British Army before the First World War to escape poverty. Her comments have been condemned by Jeffrey Donaldson MP, MLA of the DUP who says they fought out of a deep sense of patriotism.

I don’t wish to make a political point this morning but do think Mr Donaldson’s analysis is inaccurate and unfair. There is ample historical evidence to support the President’s remarks. Only three months ago the Royal Irish Academy published an excellent book on Irish in the First World War and between its covers is a detailed and serious examination about the motivations and ambitions which fulled young Irishmen to join the British Army at that time. The facts are that there were many reasons why young Irishmen joined up. Many did so because of the promise of home rule others out of a sense of allegiance to the Crown and there is ample evidence that many, particularly from rural areas, were highly motivated to join because of the pay and pensions which went with the job.

The Newsletter’s editorial twists the President’s remarks to suit a very narrow view of history and does not move matters on at all.

Fact is young Irishmen are still joining the British Army and serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. This is not out of a sense of patriotism but because they want to be part of one of the great armies of the world are looking for a career as professional soldiers in interesting theatres.

This may not be the most noble of reasons but that is life.