The Collins Institute is a new policy think tank which will examine the long-term challenges facing Ireland and suggest possible policy responses. In particular, it will look at the way in which a Just Republic might be established in Ireland as we approach 2022, the centenary of both the founding of the Irish State and the death of Michael Collins. By Just Republic, we mean a republic which empowers its citizens so that they have both the supports and capabilities they require to reach their full potential.

The Collins Institute is a Fine Gael initiative. It is supported by, but will operate independently of, the Party. The goal over the longer term is to establish it as a stand-alone organisation. Its work will be overseen by the Board which is chaired by Marion Coy. A key objective of the Institute is to work closely with like-minded institutes and think tanks in other countries, particularly those which are associated with the Martens Centre – the think tank of the European People’s Party. All papers published by the Institute are intended for discussion purposes only and do not represent Fine Gael policy.