Cormac Moore Explores the Origins of the Irish Border in New Book

Cormac Moore’s latest publication, The Root of All Evil, delves into the historical complexities surrounding the establishment of the Irish Border. The book offers an insightful analysis of how diplomatic strategies and bureaucratic decisions shaped the border’s creation and its lasting implications for both Northern and Southern Ireland.

Upon arriving in Warrenpoint, overlooking Carlingford Lough, one might receive contrasting messages from mobile providers—welcoming them to Ireland and then promptly back to the UK. This experience encapsulates the confusion stemming from a border created over a century ago. Moore’s book illuminates the intricacies of this border’s origins, particularly focusing on the pivotal role of the Boundary Commission, which marks its centenary this year.

Historical Context and Political Maneuvering

The Boundary Commission emerged from the complex negotiations of the 1921 Treaty, where representatives from both the British government and Irish leaders, including John Redmond and Arthur Griffith, discussed the partition of Ireland. The treaty allowed for a temporary exclusion of Ulster from Home Rule, a concession made by Redmond prior to World War I. By the time discussions took place, only Northern Ireland was operational under the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, with James Craig determined to solidify its position.

The British government had anticipated contentious discussions regarding the North, leading them to split the Sinn Féin delegation. Griffith, as the technical lead, was persuaded to agree to the commission’s establishment, which was intended to assess local sentiments regarding the border. However, the agreement included vague terms that would later hinder the commission’s purpose. This included the phrase, “so far as may be compatible with economic and geographic conditions,” which ultimately undermined the goal of respecting local wishes.

The Commission’s Impact and Long-term Consequences

Moore meticulously details how the Boundary Commission fell short of its ambitions. The initial hopes of transferring significant areas of the nationalist North into the Free State, including parts of Tyrone and Fermanagh, were dashed. In a critical examination, he highlights how the commission, rather than adjusting the border, reinforced it. The ineptitude displayed by Free State appointee Eoin MacNeill further exacerbated the situation. Alongside a South African judge and a unionist press publisher, MacNeill failed to advocate effectively for the nationalist perspective.

The aftermath saw the commission’s recommendations largely ignored, resulting in a report that remained buried for decades. Moore argues that the failures were not solely attributable to individual leaders like Griffith or MacNeill, but also to various factors on the ground, such as the construction of the Silent Valley Reservoir, which influenced local economic conditions and decisions.

As Ireland contemplates its future, with discussions of a borderless nation gaining traction, Moore’s The Root of All Evil serves as an essential resource. It provides not only a detailed account of historical missteps but also a framework for understanding the socio-political landscape that shaped the current situation. The book’s nuanced exploration of past decisions offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of the present and future.

For readers interested in the intricate history of the Irish Border and its implications, Cormac Moore’s work is a compelling guide to understanding how we arrived at this juncture and how we might avoid repeating past mistakes.