Fianna Fáil
Leader	Brian Cowen
Founded	23 March 1926
Headquarters	65-66 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2
Political Ideology	Irish republicanism, Liberal conservatism[1], Centrism, Populism
International Affiliation	none
European Affiliation	Alliance for Europe of the Nations
European Parliament Group	Union for Europe of the Nations
Colours	Green, Orange
Website	www.fiannafail.ie
See also	Politics of Ireland Political parties Elections in Ireland

Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: Fianna Fáil – An Páirtí Poblachtánach), shortened to Fianna Fáil (pronounced [ˌfʲiənə ˈfɔːlʲ]; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland^[2]), is currently the largest political party in the Republic of Ireland with 72,000 members. Brian Cowen (Brian Ó Comhain born) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Year 1926 ( MCMXXVI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Irish republicanism (Poblachtánachas is an ideology based on the Irish nationalist belief that all of Ireland should be a single independent Republic Liberal conservatism is a variant of Conservatism which combines conservative and liberal values and positions In Politics, centrism usually refers to the political ideal of promoting Moderate policies which land in the middle ground between different political extremes Populism is a discourse which supports "the people" versus "the Elites " Populism may involve either a political philosophy urging social and political The Alliance for Europe of the Nations is a pan-European political party that gathers conservative and national-conservative parties from across the Union for Europe of the Nations is a political group of the European Parliament formed on 20 July 1999) Self-Defense of the Republic Green is a Color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a Wavelength of roughly 520–570- nm. The colour orange occurs The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary representative democratic Republic. There are a number of political parties in the Republic of Ireland, and Coalition governments are common The Republic of Ireland elects on national level a Head of state — the President — and a Legislature. Irish (ga ''Gaeilge'' is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States In early Ireland, fianna (singular fian) were small semi-independent warrior bands who lived apart from society in the forests as A political party is a Political organization that seeks to attain and maintain political power within Government, usually by participating in electoral Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. It is currently the leading party in a coalition government with the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, which also has the support of three Independent TDs. A coalition government, or coalition cabinet, is a Cabinet of a parliamentary Government in which several parties cooperate The Green Party (Comhaontas Glas lit Green Alliance) is a green Political party in Ireland. The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in In Politics, an independent is a Politician who is not Affiliated with any Political party.

From its establishment in the early twentieth century, the party moved from being a radical, centre-left party, to becoming the dominant established, broadly centrist party, its influence dominating government and Irish political life from the 1930s onwards. For opposition to all forms of government social hierarchy or authority see Anarchism. The centre-left (or center-left) is a political term commonly used to describe or denote individuals political parties or organizations (such as Think In Politics, centrism usually refers to the political ideal of promoting Moderate policies which land in the middle ground between different political extremes It has been the largest party in Dáil Éireann since 1932, and has formed the government seven times since Ireland gained independence in 1921: 1932–48, 1951–54, 1957–73, 1977–81, 82, 1987–94, and since 1997. ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament Electorally, Fianna Fáil is second only to the Swedish Social Democratic Party in its proportion of tenure in government. The Swedish Social Democratic Party, (Sveriges socialdemokratiska arbetareparti 'Social Democratic Workers' Party of Sweden' contests elections as 'Workers' Party - Social Democrats'

In the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil is a leading member of Union for Europe of the Nations, a small right-of-centre nationalist grouping. The European Parliament ( Europarl or EP) is the only directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union (EU Union for Europe of the Nations is a political group of the European Parliament formed on 20 July 1999) Self-Defense of the Republic European political commentators have often noted substantive ideological differences between the party and its groupmates, whose strongly conservative stances have at times prompted domestic criticism of Fianna Fáil. Party headquarters, over the objections of some MEPs, has made several attempts to sever the party's links to the European right, most recently an aborted 2004 agreement to join the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, with whom it already sits at the Council of Europe. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe ( French: Alliance des Démocrates et des Libéraux pour l'Europe) is an alliance between two European political parties The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949

Contents 1 Leader and President 2 History 2.1 De Valera (1926–59) 2.2 Lemass (1959–66) 2.3 Lynch (1966–79) 2.4 Haughey (1979–92) 2.5 Reynolds (1992–94) 2.6 Ahern (1994–2008) 2.7 Cowen (2008–present) 3 Presidential nominations 4 Corruption 5 Entry into Northern Ireland politics 6 Ógra Fianna Fáil 7 Further reading 8 References 9 See also 10 External links

Leader and President

Although the posts of leader and party president of Fianna Fáil are separate, with the former elected by the Parliamentary Party and the latter elected by the Ard Fheis (thus allowing for the posts to be held by different people, in theory), in practice they have always been held by the one person. An Ardfheis or Ard Fheis ( pronounced ˈɛɕ plural Ardfheiseanna) (Ardfheis is an annual convention or special convention usually of a political party However, as the Ard Fheis may have already been held in any given year by the time a new leader is elected, the selection of the new party president might not take place until the subsequent year.

The following are the terms of office for the leader:

• Éamon de Valera (1926–1959)
• Seán Lemass (1959–1966)
• Jack Lynch (1966–1979)
• Charles Haughey (1979–1992)
• Albert Reynolds (1992–1994)
• Bertie Ahern (1994–2008)
• Brian Cowen (2008–present)

For information on leadership elections, click on the year: 1959 – 1966 – 1979 – 1992 – 1994 – 2008

History

Irish Political History series

Republicanism

Republicanism

– in Ireland – in Northern Ireland Irish republican legitimatism Physical force republicanism See also List of IRAs for organisations claiming that name. Éamon de Valera (ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə (born Edward George de Valera) (14 October 1882 &ndash 29 August 1975 was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Seán Francis Lemass (15 July 1899 &ndash 11 May 1971 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and third Taoiseach of Ireland from 1959 until 1966 John Mary "Jack" Lynch ( Irish: Seán Ó Loinsigh; 15 August 1917 &ndash 20 October 1999 was the fourth Taoiseach of Ireland, Albert Reynolds (Ailbhe Mac Raghnaill born 4 November 1932 served as the eighth Taoiseach of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994 Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern ( Irish: Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951 is an Irish politician who served Brian Cowen (Brian Ó Comhain born) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. The 1959 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in June 1959 when Éamon de Valera resigned as party leader and Taoiseach to take up the post of President of The 1966 Fianna Fáil leadership election in the Republic of Ireland began in October 1966 following the decision of Seán Lemass to resign as party leader The 1979 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in December 1979 when Jack Lynch resigned as party leader and Taoiseach. The 1992 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in January 1992 when Charles Haughey resigned as party leader The 1994 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in November 1994, when Albert Reynolds resigned as party leader and Taoiseach. The 2008 Fianna Fáil leadership election began on 2 April 2008, when party leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced his resignation Irish republicanism (Poblachtánachas is an ideology based on the Irish nationalist belief that all of Ireland should be a single independent Republic In 1921 Ireland was partitioned Most of the country became part of the independent Irish Free State. A principle within Irish republicanism, the concept of Irish republican legitimatism denies the legitimacy of the political entities of Republic of Ireland and Physical force Irish republicanism is a term used to describe the recurring appearance of non-parliamentary violent insurrection in Ireland between 1798 and the present The IRA ( Irish Republican Army) is a name used to describe several paramilitary movements in Ireland in the 20th and 21st centuries though the first known use of

Key documents

Proclamation of the Republic Declaration of Independence Message to Free Nations Democratic Programme Dáil Constitution Anglo-Irish Treaty External Relations Act 1936 Constitution of Ireland Republic of Ireland Act 1948 The Green Book New Ireland Forum Report Anglo-Irish Agreement Belfast Agreement Articles 2 & 3

Parties & Organisations

Aontacht Éireann Clan na Gael Clann na Poblachta Communist Party of Ireland Cumann na mBan Cumann na Poblachta Cumann Poblachta nahÉ Córas na Poblachta éirígí Fianna Éireann Fianna Fáil · Ind FF Irish Citizen Army Irish National Invincibles INLA Irish Republican Army Anti-Treaty IRA Continuity IRA Official IRA Provisional IRA Real IRA IRB · ISRP · IRSP Official Sinn Féin Red Republican Party Republican Congress Republican Sinn Féin Saor Éire Sinn Féin United Irishmen Workers Party Young Ireland 32CSM See also: Party youth wings

Publications

An Phoblacht · Daily Ireland Irish Press · Sunday Press Republican News · Saoirse The Nation· United Irishman Wolfe Tone Weekly

Strategies

Abstentionism Éire Nua Armed Struggle Armalite and Ballot Box TUAS

Symbols

The Tricolour · Easter Lily

Other movements

Loyalism {{IrishL}} Monarchism {{IrishM}} Nationalism {{IrishN}} Unionism {{IrishU}}

v • d • e

Fianna Fáil was founded on 23 March 1926, and adopted its name on 2 April of the same year. The Proclamation of the Republic, also known as the 1916 Proclamation or Easter Proclamation, was a document issued by the Irish Volunteers and Irish The Declaration of Independence (Forógra na Saoirse Déclaration d'Indépendance was a document adopted by Dáil Éireann, the revolutionary parliament of the self-proclaimed In 1919 the First Dáil of the Irish Republic issued a Message to the Free Nations of the World (Scéal Ó Dháil Éireann Chum Saor-Náisiún an Domhain Appel aux The Democratic Programme was a declaration of economic and social principles adopted by the First Dáil at its first meeting on 21 January 1919 The Constitution of Dáil Éireann (Bunreacht Dála Éireann was the constitution of the 1919–22 Irish Republic. The Anglo-Irish Treaty (An Conradh Angla-Éireannach officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a Treaty The Executive Authority (External Relations Act 1936 was an enactment of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament in 1936. The Constitution of Ireland (Bunreacht na hÉireann came into force on 29 December 1937 after having been passed by a national plebiscite the previous July The Republic of Ireland Act 1948 is an Act of the Oireachtas whose primary provisions were to declare that the state Ireland, is a Republic and that the President The IRA Green Book is a training and induction manual issued by the Irish Republican Army to new volunteers The New Ireland Forum was established in Ireland in May 1983 by then Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald to discuss ways of bringing peace and stability to the The Anglo-Irish Agreement was an agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland which aimed to bring an end to The Troubles in Northern Ireland The Agreement, most often referred to as the Belfast Agreement (Comhaontú Bhéal Feirste Belfast Greeance or the Good Friday Agreement (Comhaontú Aoine an Article 2 and Article 3 of the Constitution of Ireland ( Bunreacht na hÉireann) were adopted with the constitution as a whole on 29 December 1937 but completely For the Celtic Rock band formerly known as Clan na Gael see Seven Nations. Clann na Poblachta n̪ˠə pʷɔbʷłəxt̪ˠə (Family of the Republic was an Irish republican political party founded by former Irish Republican Army Chief of The Communist Party of Ireland ( CPI; Irish: Páirtí Cumannach na hÉireann) is a small all-Ireland Marxist party founded in 1933 Cumann na mBan (ˈkumˠən̪ˠ n̪ˠə mˠɒn̪ˠ Women's League is an Irish republican women's paramilitary organisation formed in Dublin on April 1914 as an auxiliary Cumann na Poblachta n̪ˠə pʷɔbʷłəxt̪ˠə ( League of the Republic in English) was an Irish republican political party Cumann Poblachta na hÉireann pʷɔbʷłəxt̪ˠə n̪ˠə heːɼən̪ˠ Society of Ireland" was a political party established by the Irish Republican Army in 1936 Córas na Poblachta n̪ˠə pʷɔbʷłəxt̪ˠə ( Republican Plan in English) was a minor Irish republican political party founded in 1940 The name Fianna Éireann (ˈfʲiənə ˈeːɾʲən) also rendered as Fianna na hÉireann and Na Fianna Éireann ( Irish: " Soldiery of Independent Fianna Fáil (Fianna Fáil Neamhspleách was a splinter republican party created by Neil Blaney after his expulsion from Fianna Fáil following the Irish The Irish Citizen Army ( Irish name: Arm Cathartha na hÉireann) or ICA was a small group of trained Trade union volunteers established in Dublin The Irish National Invincibles (Dosháraithe Náisiúnta na hÉireann usually known as "the Invincibles" were a radical IRB splinter group active in Dublin The Irish National Liberation Army ( INLA; Arm Saoirse Náisiúnta na hÉireann in Irish is an Irish Republican, Left-wing paramilitary organisation The Irish Republican Army ( IRA) (Óglaigh na hÉireann was a military organisation descended from the Irish Volunteers, established 25 November 1913 and who This article deals with the Irish republican organisation opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty styling itself "Irish Republican Army" as it existed from the time of the Treaty The Continuity Irish Republican Army ( CIRA) is an Irish republican Paramilitary organisation that emerged from a split in the Provisional IRA The term Official Irish Republican Army or Official IRA (informally the Officials) refers to one of the two organisations&mdashthe other being the Provisional The Provisional Irish Republican Army (Óglaigh na hÉireann ( IRA; also referred to as the PIRA, the Provos, or by some of its supporters as the The Real Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the Real IRA (RIRA or True IRA and styling itself as Óglaigh na hÉireann (Volunteers The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an "independent democratic Republic" in the mid nineteenth The Irish Socialist Republican Party was a pivotal Irish political party founded in 1896 by James Connolly. The Irish Republican Socialist Party ( IRSP) is an republican Socialist party meaning that it is both Marxist and republican Official Sinn Féin (later renamed "Sinn Féin the Workers Party" was a Marxist Irish republican Political party which evolved from the split The Red Republican Party was a small Socialist organisation in Ireland. The Republican Congress was an Irish Republican political organisation founded in 1934 when left wing republicans left the Irish Republican Army. Republican Sinn Féin ( RSF; Irish: Sinn Féin Poblachtach) is a Political party operating in Ireland. For the paramilitary group of the 1960s and 1970s see Saor Éire (1967-1975. Sinn Féin () is a political party in Ireland. The current party led by Gerry Adams was formed following a split in January 1970 The Society of United Irishmen was founded as a Liberal political organisation in eighteenth century Ireland that sought Parliamentary reform The Workers Party of Ireland (in Irish Páirtí na nOibrithe, though its logo translates it erroneously as Páirtí na nOibri) is a left wing Irish Young Ireland ( Irish: Éire Óg) was a political cultural and social movement which was to revolutionise the way that Irish nationalism was perceived History The organisation was founded on 7 December 1997 at a meeting in Fingal in Dublin by republican activists who were opposed to the direction An Phoblacht ( Irish for "The Republic" is the official Newspaper of Sinn Féin Daily Ireland was an Irish daily newspaper which existed from January 2005 to September 2006 to cover news stories from an Irish republican viewpoint The Irish Press was an Irish Newspaper published by Irish Press plc between September 5 1931, on the eve of the 1931 Kilkenny v Cork The Sunday Press was a weekly newspaper published in Ireland from 1949 until 1995. Republican News was a longstanding newspaper/magazine published by Sinn Féin. SAOIRSE Irish Freedom is the monthly organ of Republican Sinn Féin. The Nation was an Irish nationalist weekly Newspaper, published in the 19th century The United Irishman title has been a very popular newspaper title in Ireland and a number of newspapers have been published under the title Abstentionism is standing for Election to a Deliberative assembly while refusing to take up any seats won or otherwise participate in the assembly's business Éire Nua, or "New Ireland" was a political strategy of the Provisional IRA and Sinn Féin during the 1970s and early 1980s Physical force Irish republicanism is a term used to describe the recurring appearance of non-parliamentary violent insurrection in Ireland between 1798 and the present The Armalite and the ballot box strategy was a strategy pursued by the Irish republican movement in the 1980s and early 1990s in which elections in Northern Ireland Tuas is largely an industrial zone located in the western part of Singapore. The Easter Lily is a Badge worn at Easter by Irish republicans as symbol of remembrance for Irish combatants who died during or were executed after the Ulster loyalism is a militant unionist ideology held mostly by Protestants in Northern Ireland. The King was the Head of state of the 1922–1937 Irish Free State. Irish nationalism (Náisiúnachas Éireannach refers to political and sociological movements and sentiment that embodies a love for Irish ancestry, culture and language and Unionism in Ireland, is a belief in the desirability of a full constitutional and institutional relationship between Ireland and Great Britain based on the terms and Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Year 1926 ( MCMXXVI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of It was founded by Éamon de Valera, former Príomh Aire (prime minister & president of Dáil Éireann (April 1919–August 1921) and President of the Republic (August 1921–January 1922). Éamon de Valera (ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə (born Edward George de Valera) (14 October 1882 &ndash 29 August 1975 was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century The President of Dáil Éireann was the leader of the revolutionary Irish Republic of 1919&ndash1921 President of the Republic was the title given to the head of the Irish ministry or Aireacht in August 1921 by an amendment to the Dáil Constitution, which replaced De Valera resigned from the presidency in January 1922 over the Anglo-Irish Treaty which created the Irish Free State. The Anglo-Irish Treaty (An Conradh Angla-Éireannach officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a Treaty The Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann (1922&ndash1937 was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by He led anti-Treaty Sinn Féin during the Irish Civil War (1922–23) before resigning from the party in 1926, in protest at the party's hard-line policy of abstentionism, the refusal to accept the legitimacy of the Free State or Dáil Éireann. Sinn Féin () is a political party in Ireland. The current party led by Gerry Adams was formed following a split in January 1970 The Irish Civil War ( June 28 1922 &ndash May 24 1923) pitted supporters of the Anglo-Irish Treaty against its opponents Abstentionism is standing for Election to a Deliberative assembly while refusing to take up any seats won or otherwise participate in the assembly's business ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament Though his new party, Fianna Fáil, was also opposed to the Treaty settlement, it adopted a different approach of aiming to republicanise the Irish Free State rather than claiming all that had happened between 1922 and 1926 was invalid and that one could simply turn the clock back to the days of the direct British rule and start the Independence process again. A republic is a State or Country that is not led by a hereditary Monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people have impact on its

Fianna Fáil initially refused to enter the Irish Free State's Dáil Éireann in protest at the Oath of Allegiance which all members of the Dáil were obliged to take. ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament The Irish Oath of Allegiance was a controversial provision in the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 which Irish TDs (members of the Irish parliament and Senators were required (The Oath, which was contained in the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, was drafted by Michael Collins, using phraseology taken from the Irish Republican Brotherhood's Oath and suggestions from de Valera, then President of the Republic. Michael John ("Mick" Collins (Mícheál Seán Ó Coileáin 16 October 1890 &ndash 22 August 1922 was an Irish revolutionary leader, Minister for The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an "independent democratic Republic" in the mid nineteenth In its final form, it promised "allegiance" to "The Irish Free State" and "that I will be faithful" to King George V in his role as King of Ireland, "in virtue of the common citizenship". ) The party initially took a court case on the issue of the oath. However the assassination of the Cumann na nGaedhael Minister for Justice, Kevin O'Higgins, led the then government to introduce a new Bill, requiring all candidates to swear that they would take the oath if elected. Cumann na nGaedhael (ˈkʊmən nə ˈŋɰeːɫ "Society of the Gaels" sometimes spelt Cumann na nGaedheal, was an Irish language name given Kevin Christopher O'Higgins (Caoimhín Críostóir Ó hUigín 7 June 1892 &ndash 10 July 1927 was an Irish politician who served as Vice-President of the Executive Council (If they declined to give that guarantee, they would be ineligible to be candidates in any election. ) Fianna Fáil abandoned its previous refusal to take the Oath, dismissed it as an "empty formula", and entered the Dáil.

The first party leader was Éamon de Valera. Éamon de Valera (ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə (born Edward George de Valera) (14 October 1882 &ndash 29 August 1975 was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Other founding members included Seán Lemass (who became its second leader), Seán T. O'Kelly, P. J. Ruttledge and others, including the 1916 veteran Constance Markiewicz, who chaired the inaugural meeting at the La Scala Theatre. Seán Francis Lemass (15 July 1899 &ndash 11 May 1971 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and third Taoiseach of Ireland from 1959 until 1966 Seán Thomas O'Kelly (Seán Tomás Ó Ceallaigh 25 August 1882–23 November 1966 was the second President of Ireland (1945–1959 Patrick J Ruttledge (1892 &ndash 8 May 1952 was a senior Irish politician Constance Georgine Markiewicz Countess Markiewicz (née Gore-Booth; 4 February 1868 &ndash 15 July 1927 was an Irish Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil Its initial appeal was to anti-treaty supporters and working class people, and it originally had a high proportion of women on its executive.

De Valera (1926–59)

On 9 March 1932 Éamon de Valera was elected President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State. Events 590 - Bahram Chobin is crowned as king Barham VI of Persia. Year 1932 ( MCMXXXII) was a Leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. Éamon de Valera (ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə (born Edward George de Valera) (14 October 1882 &ndash 29 August 1975 was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century It was a position he was to hold for twenty one years, sixteen of which were uninterrupted. During his first term de Valera weakened the links between the Free State and Britain. The ban on the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was lifted, the Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown was abolished and the office of Governor-General was greatly demoted. This article deals with the Irish republican organisation opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty styling itself "Irish Republican Army" as it existed from the time of the Treaty De Valera also started an economic war with Britain by withholding land annuity payments and by placing high tariffs on British imports such as coal. The Anglo-Irish Trade War (also called the " Economic War " was a retaliatory Trade war between the Irish Free State and the United Kingdom An annuity contract is a Financial product typically offered by a Financial institution, that may accumulate value and take a current value and pay it out over The British responded by placing tariffs on Irish goods such as agricultural produce. This "tit for tat" policy, which was disastrous for the Irish economy, would last until 1938 when the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement was signed. The Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement was signed on 25 April 1938 by Ireland and the United Kingdom.

In May 1936 de Valera abolished the Irish Senate. At that time he also announced his intention to draw up a new constitution. On 1 July 1937 the Irish people adopted the new Bunreacht na hÉireann. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 1937 ( MCMXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Constitution of Ireland (Bunreacht na hÉireann came into force on 29 December 1937 after having been passed by a national plebiscite the previous July This new constitution was republican in all but name. Republicanism is the Ideology of governing a nation as a Republic, with an emphasis on Liberty, Rule of law, Popular sovereignty The constitution claimed that the state consisted of the entire island of Ireland and the office of Governor-General was replaced by the President of Ireland. The President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann n̪ˠə ˈheːɾʲən̪ˠ is the Head of state of Ireland. De Valera was able to succeed with this tactic as the 1930s had seen a change in Britain's relationship with her colonies. The Statute of Westminster had declared a national law to be as valid as one from Westminster, and so the Houses of Commons/Lords no longer had a role in turning National bills into Law. The Statute of Westminster 1931 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (22 & 23 Geo It was a delicate political move but one which de Valera managed to execute without major disruption.

In 1939 at the outbreak of World War II de Valera announced that Ireland would remain neutral. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Fine Gael TD James Dillon was alone in advocating an alliance with the United Kingdom. Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, shortened to Fine Gael (ˌfina gail meaning Family of the Irish or Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest A Teachta Dála (ˈtʲaxtə ˈdɑːlə is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Oireachtas (Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. James Matthew Dillon (16 September 1902 – 10 February 1986 was an Irish politician and leader of Fine Gael from 1959 to 1965 This policy infuriated the British; however, Ireland's neutrality strongly favoured the Allies. Irish neutrality has been a policy of the Irish Free State and its successor Ireland, since independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain Following the 1948 general election Fianna Fáil lost power. The Irish general election of 1948 was held on 4 February 1948 They returned in 1951 but no new ideas emerged from the Cabinet. Seán Lemass was eager to launch a new economic policy but the conservative elements in the government prevailed. Seán Francis Lemass (15 July 1899 &ndash 11 May 1971 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and third Taoiseach of Ireland from 1959 until 1966 Fianna Fáil lost power again in 1954.

In 1957 de Valera returned for the final time as Taoiseach. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the At this stage he was 75 years old and almost blind. However, he allowed Lemass to proceed with his economic expansion plan. This culminated in the 'Programme for Economic Expansion' of 1958. In 1959 Dev (as he was popularly called) was elected the third President of Ireland. The President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann n̪ˠə ˈheːɾʲən̪ˠ is the Head of state of Ireland. His successor was his Tánaiste, Seán Lemass. The Tánaiste (ˈtɑːnəʃtʲə plural Tánaistí) or more formally An Tánaiste, is the deputy prime minister of Ireland.

Lemass (1959–66)

Seán Lemass became the new leader of the Party and Taoiseach on 23 June 1959 (the same day de Valera became President). Seán Francis Lemass (15 July 1899 &ndash 11 May 1971 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and third Taoiseach of Ireland from 1959 until 1966 The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the Events 1180 - First Battle of Uji, starting the Genpei War in Japan 1305 - The Flemish The year 1959 ( MCMLIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Lemass as Taoiseach concentrated his energy on mainly economic matters. He had the task of implementing the 'First Programme for Economic Development' which began in 1958. The policy of Protectionism was abandoned and free trade was introduced. Grants and tax concessions were given to companies who set up in Ireland. As a result of the 'Programme' the Irish economy grew at a rate of 4% per annum. A second, even more ambitious, 'Programme for Economic Expansion' was started in 1963.

Lemass' success in managing the economy led to his victory in the 1961 general election. The Irish general election of 1961 was held on 4 October 1961 just over three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 8 September Lemass now felt that he had a greater mandate and began making more changes. He introduced a new wave of fresh and more modern thinkers to the Cabinet, including Brian Lenihan, Charles Haughey, George Colley and Patrick Hillery. Brian Patrick Lenihan (Brian Ó Luineacháin 17 November 1930 – 1 November 1995 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician For the British soldier see George Pomeroy Colley George Colley (Seoirse Ó Colla 18 October 1925 &ndash 17 September 1983 was an Irish Patrick John "Paddy" Hillery (Pádraig Seán Ó hIrighile 2 May 1923 &ndash 12 April 2008 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and the sixth President of Ireland Even though this was a minority government it is considered by many the best and most productive government in the history of the state.

The sixties were a time of great change in Ireland. In 1961 RTÉ television began broadcasting, opening up a new world to the Irish people. The following year the Second Vatican Council led to - according to its supporters - greater openness in the Roman Catholic Church, which was still a major force in Ireland. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, or Vatican II, was the twentieth century Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1963 the U. S President John F. Kennedy visited Ireland. John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy (May 29 1917&ndashNovember 22 1963 often referred to by his initials JFK, was the thirty-fifth President of In 1966 free secondary education was announced by the Minister for Education, Donagh O'Malley.

During this term Lemass began a new policy of reconciliation with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of On 9 January 1965, Lemass travelled to Stormont in great secrecy for talks with Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Terence O'Neill. Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland was the De facto head of the Government of Northern Ireland. Terence Marne O'Neill Baron O'Neill of the Maine, PC ( 10 September 1914 &ndash 12 June 1990) was the fourth Prime Minister In February O'Neill returned the compliment and visited Lemass in Dublin. Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Later meetings between ministers from both sides of the border became more frequent. Unfortunately, the lavish celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1966 offended many unionists. The Easter Rising (Éirí Amach na Cásca was a rebellion staged in Ireland in Easter Week, 1916 Unionism in Ireland, is a belief in the desirability of a full constitutional and institutional relationship between Ireland and Great Britain based on the terms and

In November 1966 Lemass announced his resignation as leader and Taoiseach. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the After fifty years serving Ireland and its people, the founding fathers, Seán Lemass, Seán MacEntee and James Ryan, who had dominated Irish politics for so long, left the stage of history. Seán MacEntee (Seán Mac an tSaoi 22 August 1889 &ndash 10 January 1984 was a senior Irish politician James Ryan (6 December 1891 &ndash 25 September 1970 was a senior Irish politician After their departure a new breed of politics and politician was developing. This can be seen in the leadership race to succeed Lemass as Taoiseach.

Lynch (1966–79)

Jack Lynch was elected the third leader of Fianna Fáil and Taoiseach on November 10, 1966. John Mary "Jack" Lynch ( Irish: Seán Ó Loinsigh; 15 August 1917 &ndash 20 October 1999 was the fourth Taoiseach of Ireland, Events 1444 - Battle of Varna: The crusading forces of King Vladislaus III of Varna (aka Ulaszlo I of Hungary and Wladyslaw Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. Frank Aiken, the long-serving Minister for Foreign Affairs and the only surviving member from de Valera's first Cabinet, was appointed Tánaiste. Frank Aiken (Proinsias Mac Aodhagáin new spelling Proinsias Mac Aogáin; 13 February 1898 – 18 May 1983 was a senior Irish Politician. The Tánaiste (ˈtɑːnəʃtʲə plural Tánaistí) or more formally An Tánaiste, is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. During Lynch's first term as Taoiseach he faced several crises which were unprecedented. In 1969 the Troubles broke out in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of Lynch was determined that the violence would not spread to the Republic and cause a civil war. At the height of the violence he made a famous speech on RTÉ saying that the [Irish] government could no longer stand by and watch innocent people be injured or perhaps worse. Many thought that the Republic was about to invade the North, and contingency plans were drawn up by the Irish Army to take Derry and Newry. The Irish Army ( Arm na hÉireann) is the main branch of the Irish Defence Forces ( Óglaigh na hÉireann) Newry ( short form An tIúr, "The Yew" is the fourth largest city in Northern Ireland and eighth on the island of Ireland. These were never implemented, as it was believed that to invade the North would have triggered the slaughter of countless Catholics at the hands of their heavily-armed unionist neighbours. Unionism in Ireland, is a belief in the desirability of a full constitutional and institutional relationship between Ireland and Great Britain based on the terms and Lynch was mostly successful in confining the violence to Northern Ireland. He also established centres to process Catholic refugees.

The following year (1970) Lynch discovered that two government ministers, Charles Haughey and Neil Blaney, had apparently become involved in a plot to import arms for use by the Provisional IRA. Neil Terence Columba Blaney (1 October 1922 &ndash 8 November 1995 was a senior Irish politician The Provisional Irish Republican Army (Óglaigh na hÉireann ( IRA; also referred to as the PIRA, the Provos, or by some of its supporters as the Both men were sacked from the Cabinet in what became known as the Arms Crisis. The Arms Crisis or Arms Trial ( Irish: Géarchéim na nAirm or Triail na nAirm) was a Political scandal in the Republic of Ireland Later Haughey and Blaney were arrested and put on trial, however, both were acquitted. The crisis led to deep division within Fianna Fáil for some time.

On 1 January 1973, Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (EEC). New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. The European Community (EC is one of the Three pillars of the European Union (EU created under the Maastricht Treaty (1992 This was one of the major achievements of Lynch's terms as Taoiseach and one which was started by Lemass over ten years earlier. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the Following the 1973 general election Fianna Fáil found themselves in opposition. The Irish general election of 1973 was held on 28 February 1973 It was the first change of government for sixteen years. The Fine Gael–Labour Party coalition lasted for four years. Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, shortened to Fine Gael (ˌfina gail meaning Family of the Irish or Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest The Labour Party (Páirtí an Lucht Oibre is a Democratic socialist and Social democratic Political party in the Republic of Ireland.

In the 1977 general election Fianna Fáil won its biggest ever election victory with a majority of twenty seats. The Irish general election of 1977 was held on 16 June 1977 and is regarded as a pivotal point in 20th century Irish politics The reasons for its huge victory were the populist economic policies it put forward, the dissatisfaction with the Coalition, the huge popularity of Lynch as leader, and the attempted gerrymander of many constituencies by Minister Tully. Gerrymandering is a form of redistribution in which electoral district or Constituency boundaries are manipulated for electoral advantage However after two years the government grew more and more unpopular. Poor results in the European elections and two by-elections added to the pressure on Lynch and he resigned on 5 December 1979. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Two days later a two-horse leadership race between George Colley and Charles Haughey developed. The 1979 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in December 1979 when Jack Lynch resigned as party leader and Taoiseach. For the British soldier see George Pomeroy Colley George Colley (Seoirse Ó Colla 18 October 1925 &ndash 17 September 1983 was an Irish

Haughey (1979–92)

Nine years after the 'Arms Crisis' nearly ended his career Charles Haughey was elected the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil and Taoiseach. Haughey's first term as Taoiseach was dominated by economic problems. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the Ireland's economy was in a poor state following the oil crisis and foreign debt was spiralling out of control. In the 1981 general election Fianna Fáil received its worst result in twenty years. The Irish general election of 1981 was held on 11 June 1981 three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 21 May Haughey and Fianna Fáil found themselves in opposition.

1982/1983 was an extraordinary period for Irish politics. Two general elections were held and there were three attempts to overthrow Haughey as leader of Fianna Fáil. In the February 1982 general election Haughey again failed to win a majority. The Irish general election of February 1982 was held on 18 February 1982 three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 27 January Several TDs led by Desmond O'Malley challenged Haughey for the leadership but backed down on the day of the vote. A Teachta Dála (ˈtʲaxtə ˈdɑːlə is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Oireachtas (Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. Desmond Joseph (Des O'Malley (Deasún Ó Máille born 2 February 1939 is a former Irish Politician. Haughey was elected Taoiseach with the help of Independent TDs. In October another attempt to oust Haughey was initiated by Charlie McCreevy. Charles "Charlie" McCreevy, ( Irish name: Cathal Mac Riabhaigh) born 30 September 1949 is an Irish politician This time the issue was put to a vote but Haughey won easily when an open vote was held. Following the November 1982 general election Fianna Fáil lost power and another leadership battle loomed in Fianna Fáil. The Irish general election of November 1982 was held on 24 November 1982 three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 4 November In February 1983 another challenge to overthrow Haughey was made. This time a secret ballot was held but the result was practically the same, 40 votes to 33 in favour of Haughey. Fianna Fáil then spent four years in opposition.

Following the 1987 general election Fianna Fáil returned to power but had failed to gain an overall majority. The Irish general election of 1987 was held on 17 February 1987 four weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 20 January Haughey was narrowly elected Taoiseach. During this term as Taoiseach Haughey concentrated mostly on economic issues, trying to turn around the country's fiscal situation. By that time, Ireland was the sick man of Western Europe and barely escaped having the International Monetary Fund (IMF) take over the economy. Western Europe at its most general meaning means 'all the countries in the West of Europe ' The International Monetary Fund ( IMF) is an International organization that oversees the Global financial system by following the Macroeconomic In 1989 Haughey tried to pull off what would have been his greatest achievement. He called an early general election in the hope of gaining an overall majority. However, instead of gaining seats Fianna Fáil lost seats and was forced to form a coalition with the Progressive Democrats, a political offshoot, to stay in power. The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in Fianna Fáil had always ruled out coalition government beforehand, and many in the party were unhappy with Haughey's volte-face. This marked the beginning of the end for Haughey.

Following the 1990 presidential election Haughey was forced to sack his Tánaiste and long-time friend, Brian Lenihan. The Irish presidential election of 1990 was held on 7 November 1990 The Tánaiste (ˈtɑːnəʃtʲə plural Tánaistí) or more formally An Tánaiste, is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. Brian Patrick Lenihan (Brian Ó Luineacháin 17 November 1930 – 1 November 1995 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician In 1991 Haughey faced a leadership challenge from Albert Reynolds. Albert Reynolds (Ailbhe Mac Raghnaill born 4 November 1932 served as the eighth Taoiseach of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994 This challenge was unsuccessful, but it showed that Haughey was losing his grip on the party. In 1992 Seán Doherty placed Haughey at the centre of a scandal regarding the tapping of two journalists' telephones ten years earlier. Seán Doherty (Seán Ó Dochartaigh 29 June 1944 &ndash 7 June 2005 known informally as The Doc, was a controversial Irish Fianna Fáil politician and Haughey had always maintained that he knew nothing about this, but Doherty publicly stated otherwise. This time Haughey's luck had run out and he resigned. Albert Reynolds, who had challenged Haughey in 1991, emerged as the new leader of Fianna Fáil and Taoiseach.

Reynolds (1992–94)

On 11 February 1992, Albert Reynolds was elected Taoiseach. Events 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) After receiving his seal of office from President Mary Robinson he announced his new Cabinet. Mary Therese Winifred Robinson (Máire Mhic Róibín born 21 May 1944 was the first female President of Ireland, serving from 1990 to 1997 and the United Nations Reynolds sacked eight members of Haughey's last administration including Gerard Collins and Ray Burke. James Gerard "Gerry" Collins (Gearóid Ó Coileáin born 16 October 1938 is a former senior Irish politician Raphael Patrick "Ray" Burke (Rae de Búrca born 30 September 1943 in Dublin, Ireland. Reynolds' cabinet contained many new faces and left much of the 'old guard' out in the cold. Reynolds had hoped to continue in coalition with the Progressive Democrats, however, following the Beef Tribunal the PDs withdrew from government and an election was called. The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in

When the results of the 1992 general election came in it was clear that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had done badly. The Irish general election of 1992 was held on Wednesday 25 November 1992 almost three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on 5 November Labour achieved their best ever result with 33 seats. After negotiations Fianna Fáil entered into a coalition with the Labour Party. The Labour Party (Páirtí an Lucht Oibre is a Democratic socialist and Social democratic Political party in the Republic of Ireland. Dick Spring of the Labour Party took on the important roles of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Richard "Dick" Spring (born 29 August 1950 in Tralee, County Kerry) is a businessman and former senior Irish politician The Tánaiste (ˈtɑːnəʃtʲə plural Tánaistí) or more formally An Tánaiste, is the deputy prime minister of Ireland.

One of the most important components of Reynolds's period as Taoiseach was the Northern Ireland peace process. When discussing the History of Northern Ireland, the " peace process " is generally considered to cover the events leading up to the 1994 Provisional Irish Republican The agreement paved the way for an IRA ceasefire in 1994. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (Óglaigh na hÉireann ( IRA; also referred to as the PIRA, the Provos, or by some of its supporters as the This was one of the most important achievements of Reynolds's short term.

In 1994 Reynolds and Spring had a disagreement over an appointment of a judge to the Irish Supreme Court. Both men wanted to appoint someone different and both had their own reasons for doing so, with Reynolds's approach to the whole affair causing concern among those who believed in appointing the best qualified candidate. Eventually this disagreement led to the end of Reynolds's period as Taoiseach and he resigned in November 1994. The new leader to emerge was the then Minister for Finance Bertie Ahern. Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern ( Irish: Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951 is an Irish politician who served

Ahern (1994–2008)

On 19 November 1994, Bertie Ahern was elected the sixth and youngest ever leader of Fianna Fáil. Events 1095 - The Council of Clermont, called by Pope Urban II to discuss sending the First Crusade to the Holy Land Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern ( Irish: Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951 is an Irish politician who served Ahern was poised to become Taoiseach and continue in coalition with the Labour Party. The Labour Party (Páirtí an Lucht Oibre is a Democratic socialist and Social democratic Political party in the Republic of Ireland. However, the day before the government was to return, Dick Spring called off the deal and the coalition ended. Richard "Dick" Spring (born 29 August 1950 in Tralee, County Kerry) is a businessman and former senior Irish politician Instead the Labour Party helped form a new government led by Fine Gael. Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, shortened to Fine Gael (ˌfina gail meaning Family of the Irish or Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest Ahern now found himself as leader of the opposition, a position which he had not anticipated. Following the 1997 general election, Fianna Fáil formed a government with the Progressive Democrats in which Bertie Ahern was Taoiseach. The Irish general election of 1997 was held on Friday 6 June 1997 The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in

The election of Tony Blair in Britain gave renewed hope of an agreement for peace in Northern Ireland, an issue that has traditionally always been an aspiration of Irish Governments. Anthony Charles Lynton "Tony" Blair (born 6 May 1953 is a British Politician who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of The work of Ahern and his government, as well as that of the relevant power bases in the UK and the US, culminated in the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement, most often referred to as the Belfast Agreement (Comhaontú Bhéal Feirste Belfast Greeance or the Good Friday Agreement (Comhaontú Aoine an This agreement was signed by politicians from the Republic, supported by the opposition and politicians in Britain and Northern Ireland and ratified by the electorate on both sides of the Irish border.

During Ahern's first term Fianna Fáil faced increased criticism over payments to politicians. Ray Burke was forced to resign as Minister for Foreign Affairs due to payments made to him, and the late Liam Lawlor was also being investigated over payments he received. Raphael Patrick "Ray" Burke (Rae de Búrca born 30 September 1943 in Dublin, Ireland. Liam Aloysius Lawlor (Liam Ó Leathlobhair (19 October 1944 &ndash 22 October 2005 was an Irish politician who resigned from the Fianna Fáil Political Both were eventually jailed. Also, the Moriarty Tribunal revealed details of former leader Charles Haughey's financial affairs. The Moriarty Tribunal is an Irish Public inquiry established in 1997 into the financial affairs of politicians Charles Haughey and Michael Lowry

The results of the 2002 general election left Fianna Fáil short of achieving an overall majority. The Irish general election of 2002 was held on Friday 17 May 2002 just over three weeks after the dissolution of the 28th Dáil on Thursday 25 April by President Fianna Fáil continued in coalition with the Progressive Democrats. The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in It was the first time since 1969 that an Irish government had been re-elected.

In the local elections in 2004, the Fianna Fáil vote dropped significantly, mainly due to bad feeling following budgetary cut-backs required during a short slow down in the economy that followed the events of 9/11. Local governments are administrative offices that are smaller than a State.

In response to this, some shifts in policy and a cabinet reshuffle took place in September 2004, including Charlie McCreevy's resignation as Finance minister to join the European Commission. Charles "Charlie" McCreevy, ( Irish name: Cathal Mac Riabhaigh) born 30 September 1949 is an Irish politician The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union.

In November 2004, despite a common perception that the FF/PD Government of over 7 years at that stage represented a considerable shift to the right of Irish Politics, Ahern famously called himself 'one of the few socialists left'.

Fianna Fáil won 78 seats in the 2007 general election, while their coalition partners, the Progressive Democrats, lost six seats. The Irish general election of 2007 took place on 24 May 2007 after the dissolution of the 29th Dáil by the President on 29 April 2007 at the request of After the election Fianna Fáil entered into a coalition with the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, while also being supported by a number of independent TDs. The Green Party (Comhaontas Glas lit Green Alliance) is a green Political party in Ireland. The Progressive Democrats (An Páirtí Daonlathach lit The Democratic Party) commonly called The PDs, are a Free market liberal party in Ahern was re-elected as Taoiseach on 14 June 2007 for a third term. Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Ahern gave testimony to the Mahon Tribunal in September 2007 about monies received by him, as large cash sums, in the 1990s. Ahern survived a subsequent vote of no confidence in his leadership in the Dáil, the first "no confidence" Dáil motion debated since 1994. ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament

In December 2007, Fianna Fáil was officially registered as a political party in Northern Ireland. ^[3]

On 2 April 2008, Ahern announced his resignation from the leadership of Fianna Fáil, effective on 6 May 2008. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[4]

Cowen (2008–present)

Following the 2008 leadership election Brian Cowen succeeded Ahern as leader of Fianna Fáil on 6 May 2008 and was appointed Taoiseach on 7 May 2008. The 2008 Fianna Fáil leadership election began on 2 April 2008, when party leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced his resignation Brian Cowen (Brian Ó Comhain born) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Presidential nominations

Of Ireland's eight presidents, six either were in Fianna Fáil governments or nominated by Fianna Fáil. Only Douglas Hyde (1938–1945) and Mary Robinson (1990–1997) had no connection with Fianna Fáil. Douglas Hyde (Dubhghlas de hÍde Pseudonym An Craoibhín Aoibhinn) (17 January 1860 &ndash 12 July 1949 was an Anglo-Irish scholar of the Irish language Mary Therese Winifred Robinson (Máire Mhic Róibín born 21 May 1944 was the first female President of Ireland, serving from 1990 to 1997 and the United Nations Hyde, though appointed to Seanad Éireann by de Valera in 1938, was originally a nominee proposed by Fine Gael (but immediately enthusiastically endorsed by Fianna Fáil) while Robinson was a Labour Party nominee who defeated a Fianna Fáil candidate, Brian Lenihan. Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, shortened to Fine Gael (ˌfina gail meaning Family of the Irish or Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest The Labour Party (Páirtí an Lucht Oibre is a Democratic socialist and Social democratic Political party in the Republic of Ireland. Brian Patrick Lenihan (Brian Ó Luineacháin 17 November 1930 – 1 November 1995 was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician The president on election is apolitical.

Corruption

The party, along with its coalition partners, was re-elected in the 2002 general election. It has however been hit by numerous scandals. (Founding father Frank Aiken refused to run in the 1973 general election because the party had Haughey as a candidate while first leader Éamon de Valera told a senior minister in 1970 that "Haughey will ruin the party. Frank Aiken (Proinsias Mac Aodhagáin new spelling Proinsias Mac Aogáin; 13 February 1898 – 18 May 1983 was a senior Irish Politician. ") While Fine Gael have not proved themselves immune to graft, Fianna Fáil has been the object of a greater number of allegations and media attention.

Another former minister, Ray Burke, whom Ahern appointed to cabinet for a short time in 1997, was recently explicitly described by retired High Court judge, Fergus Flood in a tribunal of inquiry as "corrupt", and was jailed in January 2005 for tax offences. Raphael Patrick "Ray" Burke (Rae de Búrca born 30 September 1943 in Dublin, Ireland. The High Court (An Ard-Chúirt of Ireland is a Court which deals at first instance with the most serious and important civil and criminal cases and also The privileged treatment accorded to Burke in prison was subsequently widely criticised, especially by Fine Gael.

Former Fianna Fáil Government Press Secretary Frank Dunlop is currently giving evidence to a tribunal of inquiry in relation to his allegations that long-serving Fianna Fáil senators took bribes to arrange for planning permissions to be granted to particular property developers. Frank Dunlop, (born October 9 1947 in County Kilkenny, Ireland) is a former broadcast journalist with RTÉ serving in Dublin Other councillors (past and present) from a number of parties, but predominantly from Fianna Fáil, are expected to be named. However the tribunal has yet to judge the credibility or otherwise of Dunlop and his evidence.

Former Fianna Fáil TD, Liam Lawlor was also accused of corrupt practices in relation to planning and development. Liam Aloysius Lawlor (Liam Ó Leathlobhair (19 October 1944 &ndash 22 October 2005 was an Irish politician who resigned from the Fianna Fáil Political He was jailed repeatedly for refusal to cooperate with the tribunal. He did not resign his Lucan seat and continued to attend the Dáil, returning to Mountjoy Prison after the sessions, where he enjoyed most of the same privileges as Mr. For other meanings of Lucan, see Lucan (disambiguation. For the Roman poet Lucan see Marcus Annaeus Lucanus. ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament Mountjoy Prison ( (founded as Mountjoy Gaol) nicknamed The Joy, is a closed medium security Prison located in Phibsboro in the centre of Burke. Another TD, Beverley Cooper-Flynn of Mayo, was forced to resign from the party when it was revealed that she had advised people on how to illegally evade tax while working as a financial adviser for National Irish Bank. Beverley Flynn (born 9 June 1966 is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician representing the constituency of Mayo. National Irish Bank ( NIB) (Banc Éireannach Náisiúnta is a Commercial bank in the Republic of Ireland, one of the traditional Big Four. She was readmitted when she threatened to run as an Independent candidate, expelled again after she lost a libel action against RTÉ, and readmitted unanimously to the party shortly after Ahern's resignation.

On 8 December 2005, Ivor Callely TD resigned his junior ministerial post after RTÉ News reported that a building contractor involved in public contracts had painted his house for free in the early 1990s. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. It was also revealed that Callely had offered to personally buy a new car for one of his civil service advisers, in an attempt to persuade the adviser not to leave their job. Apparently, Callely's department had an unusually high turnover of staff for some time under his stewardship.

Bertie Ahern, in September 2006 admitted having received payments from "friends" in the early 1990s which he termed as a combination of loans and gifts totaling £48,000 while serving as Minister for Finance. Damaged by the controversy initially, which included admissions of appointing friends to state boards and not having a bank account while serving as Minister for Finance, support for the party in opinion polls rose after Ahern described the circumstances of the payments to the public in an interview with RTÉ television. ^[5] Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds stated in a radio interview on RTÉ that he would have told Ahern that taking such payments was totally unacceptable. As the then Taoiseach he should have been informed by Ahern and would have been very clear that accepting the payments was wrong. He said that many other options were open to Ahern such as getting a bank loan. ^[6] After the payments controversy, polling data suggested that Bertie Ahern's increase in popularity due to the payments controversy was primarily a sympathetic reaction.

In September 2007, Ahern testified over a four day period at the Mahon Tribunal about these payments and his explanations under oath varied from day to day, being described by one of the sitting judges as "polar opposite"^[7]

Entry into Northern Ireland politics

On 17 September 2007 Fianna Fáil announced that the party would, for the first time, organise in Northern Ireland. Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Ahern said that, "it is time now for this Party to play its full role, to take its proper place, in this new politics - in this New Ireland. Only now, with the Northern Executive and Assembly in place. Only now, that we have convinced all but the dissident fringe of nationalism to embrace peace. Only now, that the two great traditions on this island are reconciled, can we take this historic move. To that end, today I am announcing that Fianna Fáil, the Republican Party, will now move to develop a strategy for organising on a thirty-two county basis. This move reflects the dramatic changes we have seen across the island". Foreign Minister, Dermot Ahern, is to chair a committee on the matter: "In the period ahead Dermot Ahern will lead efforts to develop that strategy for carrying through this policy, examining timescales and structures. We will act gradually and strategically. We are under no illusions. It will not be easy. It will challenge us all. But I am confident we will succeed," ^[8]

The party embarked on its first ever recruitment drive north of the border on the 25th and 26th of September in northern universities, and established two 'Political Societies', the William Drennan Cumann in Queens University, Belfast, and the Watty Graham Cumann in UU Magee, Derry. William Drennan (1754 &ndash 1820 a Physician, Poet, Educationalist and political radical was one of the chief architects of the Society of United A cumann ( Irish: association plural cumainn) is the lowest local unit or branch of a number of Irish political parties

Bertie Ahern announced on 7 December 2007 that Fianna Fáil had been registered in Northern Ireland by the UK Electoral Commission . Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Electoral Commission is a Non-departmental public body with powers in the United Kingdom, which was created by an Act of Parliament, the Political ^[3] There has been speculation about an eventual merger with the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP),^[9] formerly the main Irish nationalist party in Northern Ireland, but now smaller than Sinn Féin. The Social Democratic and Labour Party ( SDLP; Páirtí Sóisialta Daonlathach an Lucht Oibre is one of the two major nationalist parties in Northern Ireland Irish nationalism (Náisiúnachas Éireannach refers to political and sociological movements and sentiment that embodies a love for Irish ancestry, culture and language and This has been met with a mixed reaction with former Deputy Leader of the SDLP, Seamus Mallon, stating he would be opposed to any such merger. On 23 February 2008, it was announced that a former UUP councillor, Colonel Harvey Bicker, had joined FF. Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Colonel (Reginald Harvey Bicker OBE TD is a Northern Irish businessman and Fianna Fáil politician from Spa, ^[10]

Ógra Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil have an active youth wing called Ógra Fianna Fáil. Ógra Fianna Fáil is the Youth wing of Fianna Fáil, a major Political party in the Republic of Ireland. They were formed in the mid 1970s and play an active role in party matters, recruiting members and working on election campaigns. The current elected head of Ógra is Paul Mulally who serves as Leas-Cathaoirleach Ógra. Dara Calleary TD is the nominated head or Cathaoirleach of Ógra Fianna Fáil, having been appointed by the President of Fianna Fáil, Bertie Ahern, in 2005. Dara Calleary (born 10 May 1973 is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician

Ógra also plays an important role in the party organisation where it currently has six representatives on the Ard Chomhairle.

Further reading

• Joe Ambrose (2006) Dan Breen and the IRA, Douglas Village, Cork : Mercier Press, 223 p. , ISBN 1-85635-506-3
• Bruce Arnold (2001) Jack Lynch: Hero in Crisis, Dublin : Merlin, 250p. ISBN 1-903582-06-7
• Tim Pat Coogan (1993) De Valera : long fellow, long shadow, London : Hutchinson, 772 p. , ISBN 0-09-175030-X
• Joe Joyce and Peter Murtagh (1983) The Boss: Charles J. Haughey in government, Swords, Dublin : Poolbeg Press, 400 p. , ISBN 0-905169-69-7
• F. S. L. Lyons (1985) Ireland Since the Famine, 2nd rev. ed. , London : FontanaPress, 800 p. , ISBN 0-00-686005-2
• Dorothy McCardle (1968) The Irish Republic. A documented chronicle of the Anglo-Irish conflict and the partitioning of Ireland, with a detailed account of the period 1916-1923, etc. , 989 p. , ISBN 0-552-07862-X
• T. Ryle Dwyer (2001) Nice fellow : a biography of Jack Lynch, Cork : Mercier Press, 416 p. , ISBN 1-85635-368-0
• T. Ryle Dwyer (1999) Short fellow : a biography of Charles J. Haughey, Dublin : Marino, 477 p. , ISBN 1-86023-100-4
• T. Ryle Dwyer, (1997) Fallen Idol : Haughey's controversial career, Cork : Mercier Press, 191 p. , ISBN 1-85635-202-1
• Raymond Smith (1986) Haughey and O'Malley : The quest for power, Dublin : Aherlow, 295 p. , ISBN 1-87013-800-7
• Tim Ryan (1994) Albert Reynolds : the Longford leader : the unauthorised biography, Dublin : Blackwater Press, 226 p. , ISBN 0-86121-549-4
• Dick Walsh (1986) The Party : inside the Fianna Fáil, Dublin : Gill & Macmillan, 161 p. , ISBN 0-7171-1446-5

References

See also

• Category:Fianna Fáil politicians

External links

• Official site

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