Éamon de Valera (pronounced /ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə/) (born George De Valero) (14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. His political career spanned over half a century, from 1917 to 1973; he served multiple terms as head of government and head of state, and is credited with a leading role in the authorship of the present-day Constitution of Ireland.
De Valera was a significant leader of Irela...
more
Éamon de Valera (pronounced /ˈeɪmən dɛvəˈlɛrə/) (born George De Valero) (14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. His political career spanned over half a century, from 1917 to 1973; he served multiple terms as head of government and head of state, and is credited with a leading role in the authorship of the present-day Constitution of Ireland.
De Valera was a significant leader of Ireland's struggle for independence from the United Kingdom, and the anti-Treaty opposition in the ensuing Irish Civil War (1922-1923). In 1926, he founded Fianna Fáil, which continues to be the largest political party in Ireland. Over the years, the principal element of his political creed evolved from militant republicanism to social and cultural conservatism.
De Valera was also the co-owner of The Irish Press, a newspaper supportive of Fianna Fáil.
Assessments of De Valera's career have differed sharply. One school of thought, represented by De...
less
