A History of Fianna Fáil

The outstanding biography of the party

Nonfiction, History, Ireland, Biography & Memoir, Political
Cover of the book A History of Fianna Fáil by Noel Whelan, Gill Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Noel Whelan ISBN: 9780717151981
Publisher: Gill Books Publication: November 4, 2011
Imprint: Gill Books Language: English
Author: Noel Whelan
ISBN: 9780717151981
Publisher: Gill Books
Publication: November 4, 2011
Imprint: Gill Books
Language: English

The Fianna Fáil Party was founded in 1926 and first came to Government in 1932. From that date until 2010, it has completely dominated the political life of the Republic of Ireland. For all but 13 of those 78 years, it has formed the Government of Ireland, either on its own or as the dominant party in a coalition.

Fianna Fáil has always seen itself as more than a party. Its self-image has been that of a national movement, one that represented the nation in microcosm and superseded partisan and regional prejudices. While holding this view of itself, it also managed to be the most ruthlessly, successful and professional party machine in Europe.

Noel Whelan, the distinguished political commentator and columnist, is steeped in the Fianna Fáil tradition. In this book, he traces the party's fortunes from its foundation by Eamon deValera and Seén Lemass in the 1920s through the economic war of the 1930, war time neutrality and stagnation of the 1950s.

Lemass's Governments of the 1960s, generally regarded as the best in the history of the State, restored the Country's fortunes, but the 70s and 80s were locust years dominated by the divisive and charismatic figure of Charles J. Haughey.

Under the later leadership of Bertie Ahern, party divisions were healed, and it seemed that national divisions were healed with them. An economic boom was allowed recklessly to run out of control with the result that the party, having brought Irish prosperity to a new peak, was then blamed for the sudden violence of the crash. The general election of 2011 reduced Fianna Fáil to its lowest ebb since it was founded. It may not have marked the end of the party, but it clearly marked the end of an era that began in 1932.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Fianna Fáil Party was founded in 1926 and first came to Government in 1932. From that date until 2010, it has completely dominated the political life of the Republic of Ireland. For all but 13 of those 78 years, it has formed the Government of Ireland, either on its own or as the dominant party in a coalition.

Fianna Fáil has always seen itself as more than a party. Its self-image has been that of a national movement, one that represented the nation in microcosm and superseded partisan and regional prejudices. While holding this view of itself, it also managed to be the most ruthlessly, successful and professional party machine in Europe.

Noel Whelan, the distinguished political commentator and columnist, is steeped in the Fianna Fáil tradition. In this book, he traces the party's fortunes from its foundation by Eamon deValera and Seén Lemass in the 1920s through the economic war of the 1930, war time neutrality and stagnation of the 1950s.

Lemass's Governments of the 1960s, generally regarded as the best in the history of the State, restored the Country's fortunes, but the 70s and 80s were locust years dominated by the divisive and charismatic figure of Charles J. Haughey.

Under the later leadership of Bertie Ahern, party divisions were healed, and it seemed that national divisions were healed with them. An economic boom was allowed recklessly to run out of control with the result that the party, having brought Irish prosperity to a new peak, was then blamed for the sudden violence of the crash. The general election of 2011 reduced Fianna Fáil to its lowest ebb since it was founded. It may not have marked the end of the party, but it clearly marked the end of an era that began in 1932.

More books from Gill Books

Cover of the book The Dingle Peninsula by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book What If? Alternative Views of Twentieth-Century Irish History by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book Boy Wonder by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book HUGH O’FLAHERTY: HIS WARTIME ADVENTURES by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book A City in Civil War – Dublin 1921–1924 by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book Plan B by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book The Legendary ‘Lugs Branigan’ – Ireland’s Most Famed Garda by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book Funding the Nation by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book A City in Wartime – Dublin 1914–1918 by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book How to Cope – The Welcoming Approach to Life’s Challenges by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book A Different Kind of Teacher by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book Going Mad? Understanding Mental Illness by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book Paisanos by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book The Blasket Islandman by Noel Whelan
Cover of the book De Valera: Rule by Noel Whelan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy