THE UK’S decision to leave the EU has sparked an upsurge in anti-English sentiment across Ireland, according to President Michael D Higgins.
President Higgins issued the warning during a speech to mark the launch of the Machnamh 100 series of commemorative events held to mark the anniversary the Irish War of Independence.
"Of course, the British forces were not alone when it came to reprisals and atrocities,” he said.
"Violence breeds violence, cruelty is learned and the history of Irish republicanism is one in which callous disregard for human life has been displayed on too many occasions.
"Civilians (have) often constituted the target in what is often termed the 'Irish struggle'.
"War is always ugly and posthumous glorification is neither desirable nor morally sound."
President Higgins warned of a continued existence of Anglophobia in Ireland – something he believes has been re-invigorated by the UK’s decision to depart the EU.
"We must also be cognisant of stereotypical depictions of 'the Other' by some of those on the nationalist side as a process of generating a form of Anglophobia which has been utilised and exists in some quarters to this day, and is perhaps being fuelled by the worst aspects and feared consequences of Brexit," he said.
Machnamh 100 was created by President Higgins as part of an initiative to not only commemorate but also examine the impact of historically significant events in Irish history.
Events like the Dublin Lockout, First World War, Easter Rising, Spanish flu pandemic, election of 1918 and the first Dail have all been reflected on in a series of seminars supported by state broadcaster RTE and the Irish Government.
An Irish term, the word 'Machnamh' refers to reflection, contemplation, meditation and thought.
Over the next 12 months, President Higgins will host a selection of lectures reflecting on the War of Independence, Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, Irish Civil War and partition.
The next event is due to take place this February and will take a closer look at British responses to Ireland's War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations.
