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

In its early years, a fledgling yet paternalistic Irish State was determined to wrest democratic control from local authorities, writes Aodh Quinlivan

Ernest Blythe (fourth from left at front) wasted little time in stamping his authority over local councils.

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.