Cuman na Gaedheal and Fianna Fail in Power Foreign Policies - Comparison
Cumann na nGaedheal
Constitution of 1922
Based on Anglo-Irish Treaty
Pushed for greater Independence
Applied to join League of Nations – Britain objected – admitted in 1923
Anglo-Irish Treaty registered as an international agreement (Britain protested that it was an internal affair).
Established a foreign Diplomatic Service. Passports and stamps issued.
Membership of the Council of Ministers in 1930
In 1926 the concept of full equality between Britain and the Dominions was established.
It was symbolised by the use of the word "Commonwealth" instead of British Empire.
Statute of Westminister ended the claim that British laws were binding on the Dominions and allowed the Parliament of a Dominion to repeal any existing law.
Established the Free State as an independent nation through membership of League of Nations and role in Commonwealth Conferences.
The successful introduction of the Statute of Westminster allowed Dominion Parliaments to repeal any existing British law. After 1932 the new Fianna Fail government used the Statute to begin dismantling the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
Fianna Fail
De Valera appoints himself as Minister for External Affairs.
Realises dismantling the Treaty will cause tension with Britain.
Removes Oath of Allegiance
Abolishes Governor-General
De Valera was active in the League of Nations to build support for when he dismantled the Treaty.
Economic War with Britain
In 1932 De Valera refused to pay land annuities to Britain.
The British retaliated by imposing 20% customs duty on Irish imports.
The Dail then placed customs duties on many British imports into Ireland.
These measures caused severe economic hardship in Ireland.
In 1935 the Coal-Cattle Pact was agreed allowing for Irish cattle to be exported to Britain and British coal to be imported into Ireland.
Anglo-Irish Agreement 1938 ands Economic War
The Constitutional Amendment Act 1936 removed all mention of the King and Governor General from the Constitution.
The External Relations Act 1936 greatly reduced the role of the King in Irish Affairs. Ireland was now ‘associated’ with the Commonwealth rather than being a full member.
1937 Constitution
Ireland a republic in all but name
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