Freedom to Choose

In Ireland the period of 1918-1932 was one of upheaval and realignment as people suffered the hardship of war and came to terms with their new national and political identities. It was also an exciting period, which saw the beginning of a new era in electoral politics after the general election of 1918. Powerful influences were at work during this time: nationalism and socialism, Catholicism, the Gaelic League and the Gaelic Athletic Association. An air of unpredictability prevailed as Sinn Fein and the Irish Parliamentary Party battled for the hearts - and votes - of the Irish people. By 1932, the violence of the early years of the state was a thing of the past. But how did the political system that we know today evolve? Why did Fianna Fail become the dominant political force? With the demise of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith, Aeamon de Valera became the leading personality in Irish politics. Even he realised that he had to adapt to the changing concerns of the electorate and to deal with their day-to-day social concerns as well as the highly emotive issue of 'the national question'. The parties that formulated policies to address social and economic issues were the ones to survive. This exploration of the development of party politics in Cork city offers important insights into the party politics of modern Ireland and is essential to a satisfactory understanding of the emergence of today's main parties. It is the first study based on local sources to analyse the development of the Irish party system and it looks at how the Cork electorate engaged with issues and interacted with Irish politics at this critical juncture.

How did the political system that we know today evolve? Why did Fianna Fail become the dominant political force? Government minister Micheal Martin explores the development of party politics in Cork city and offers important insights into the party politics of modern Ireland.