The Sacred Egoism of Sinn Féin

In the turbulent aftermath of the Great War, a sharp‑tongued essay probes the paradox of how small nations become symbols of international altruism while powerful states treat that very concern as a managed industry. The writer dissects the way newspapers, blue books and well‑meaning propaganda elevate Ireland’s plight, turning genuine sympathy into a predictable formula. By tracing the shift from quiet avoidance before 1914 to a noisy chorus of foreign support, the piece exposes the self‑interest hidden beneath lofty declarations of liberty.

The narrative blends historical anecdotes—such as Ireland’s 1870 brigade for France—with a critical eye on the contradictory behavior of British liberals and continental scholars. It questions whether foreign admiration can ever replace authentic self‑determination, and why the Irish imagination clings to a sense of ancient grandeur amid modern political theater. Listeners will find a compelling mix of wit, irony, and earnest reflection on the early twentieth‑century struggle for national identity.