4In these essays and speeches Michael Collins spelled out his vision for the future of Ireland, as well as his analysis of its past. Some of them are written in the anguish of a civil war which he struggled so hard to avoid, and in which he saw his country torn apart while seeking to establish and defend democracy, liberty and stability. Michael Collins' overall vision is still inspiring; he sees the necessity for open trade with overseas markets, for investment and management, and for putting the 'national economy on a sound footing' as a priority.