‘It is only by political means that we can hope for … success’: Éamon de Valera’s long climb back to power, 1922–32

Abstract

ABSTRACT In January 1922, Éamon de Valera lost the leadership of Irish nationalism. In opposing the Treaty signed in London the previous month, he painted himself into a corner, committing himself to oppose the settlement, to refuse to recognise the Irish Free State, and never to take the Oath of Allegiance required to enter the Dáil. This position precluded the political path which was the only course available after the military defeat of the anti-Treaty cause. If de Valera was to have a political future, he would have to find a way to retreat from this stance, while maintaining the support of as many anti-Treatyites as possible and widening his electoral appeal beyond that minority. His tactical withdrawal would take a decade, featuring the rebirth of Sinn Féin as an anti-Treaty electoral party, the formation of Fianna Fáil as a movement more amenable to his control, and acceptance of the oath to enter the Free State Dáil. The long climb back to political power culminated with his election as President of the Executive Council in March 1932. He had not only secured his own political future; he had helped establish a political system which would endure for eight decades.