Aodh Quinlivan: Fledgling free State more concerned with efficiency and rectitude

THERE was a pessimistic mood across local councils in the early months of 1923, and not just because of the continuing Civil War. Another factor is what historian Diarmaid Ferriter has referred to as the “utter contempt” that had quickly developed at central government level for local democracy.

Antrim-man, Ernest Blythe, had been appointed as minister for local government and public health in 1922 by William T Cosgrave and he wasted little time in stamping his authority. Officials of the Department of Local Government and Public Health were sent to audit and inspect many local councils and the difficulties of local authorities were viewed from the centre with exasperation.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Subscribe now

Cancel anytime

Read

Listen

Watch

Play

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

WHATSAPP

NEWSLETTERS

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

more history articles

Clodagh Finn: The forgotten Cork woman who became a close friend of Frederick Douglass

Taoiseach can’t say if historic Cork prison can be saved

The promise of Nuremberg was accountability. The world is still struggling to deliver it

More in this section

Colin Sheridan: An 87-year-old woman sparked a general election in Spain. Can its politicians now deliver on housing?

Public sector strikes likely as unions and Government cannot agree on agenda for talks

ieExplains: What is the new personal investment account and should I put my money into it?



Meet the ‘independent voters’ who will likely decide which party triumphs in the 2026 midterm elections

READ NOW