ABSTRACT
James Connolly, one of the leaders of the 1916 rebellion, was an international socialist whose dual political thinking also embraced Irish nationalism, but an objective of a socialist Ireland. As an international socialist Connolly was profoundly shaken by the outbreak of the First World War and the apparent feebleness of international labour to prevent the conflict. Michael Collins had little time for the international socialist tenets of Connolly, He personally respect Connolly's bravery and his practical approach to the 1916 conflict. Both Collins and Connolly advocated a fairer society in Ireland, and an Ireland that would look to its own resources and capital. Connolly was adamant that the economic struggle was equally as important as the political. During the political upheaval in Ireland after the Treaty, Collins advanced the argument of the Treaty giving "the freedom to achieve further freedoms" and in this the Treaty gave Ireland economic autonomy and benefits which would ensure the whole of Ireland.
