Advertisement

Hidden Histories: Clann na Poblachta

In the long history of Irish electoral upsets, General Election 2020 will certainly feature, but ...

Share this article

12.59 23 Feb 2020


Hidden Histories: Clann na Poblachta


Listen to this episode


Share this article

12.59 23 Feb 2020


In the long history of Irish electoral upsets, General Election 2020 will certainly feature, but could anything match the story of Clann na Poblachta?

Created by Séan MacBride, a former Chief of Staff of the IRA and later founder of Amnesty International, the party took ten seats in the chaotic 1948 General Election, coming to hold the balance of power and to topple what many people thought would never fall - Fianna Fáil.

What would emerge, the state’s first inter-party government, was a volatile experiment - so what are the lessons to be learned today in the story of Clann na Poblachta, who were subsequently wiped out electorally and who never returned to government?

Donal Fallon spoke to Gavan about this important moment in Irish political history.


Read more about

1948 General Election 2020 General Election Amnesty International Clann Na Poblachta Donal Fallon GE2020 Hidden Histories Inter Party Government Ira Séan MacBride

Related Episodes

No Magic Pill and the MS Reada...

00:45:18

No Magic Pill and the MS Readathon

Alive And Kicking With Clare McKenna

00:45:18


FOOTBALL SATURDAY: Shelbourne...

01:32:18

FOOTBALL SATURDAY: Shelbourne are Champions! | Can Amorim save Man Utd's season? | City lose at Bournemouth! | OTB

OTB Football

01:32:18


The 2020 Munster title & r...

00:24:30

The 2020 Munster title & remembering Liam Kearns | 15 years of service to Tipperary football | CONOR SWEENEY

OTB GAA

00:24:30


Executive Chair: Conrad Digan...

00:11:40

Executive Chair: Conrad Digan of Shaws Department Store

Down To Business

00:11:40