Politics and Administration under Fianna Fáil, 1932–1939
In this chapter you will learn about: • Fianna Fáil’s period in government, 1932–1939 • How de Valera began to dismantle the Anglo-Irish Treaty • Fianna Fáil’s economic and social policies, including the Economic War with Britain • How Fianna Fáil dealt with the Blueshirts and the IRA • The formation of Fine Gael
By the end of this chapter you will be able to: • Compare Fianna Fáil’s social and economic policies with those of Cumann na nGaedheal • Debate the impact and significance of the Economic War, 1932–1938 • Discuss the steps taken by de Valera to guard democracy from the Blueshirts and the IRA • Understand the origins of Fine Gael
Fianna Fáil in Power
Some doubted that Cumann na nGaedheal would peacefully hand over power to Fianna Fáil, following the latter’s election success in February 1932. Eoin O’Duffy, the Garda Commissioner, went as far as to suggest that the army should stage a coup (seizure of power) in order to prevent Fianna Fáil from taking charge of the country. More
reasonable voices prevailed.
Cosgrave, in yet another example of his commitment to democracy, told the heads of the army and the Gardaí that they must accept Fianna Fáil’s leadership. He also informed the British government that they must respect the Irish people’s election of the anti-Treaty Fianna Fáil Party.
Éamon de Valera at an election rally in Dún Laoghaire. THE PURSUIT OF SOVEREIGNTY AND THE IMPACT OF PARTITION, 1912–1949 191
