The Late Years of the Emergency (1943-45)

Politics in Ireland During the War Years and After

Neutrality was a widely supported stance in the Irish Free State during the war.
It garnered backing from all political parties, with only one prominent dissenter—James Dillon, the Deputy Leader of Fine Gael—who publicly advocated for Ireland to join the war on the side of the Allies.
His call for intervention in 1942 led to his expulsion from Fine Gael, as neutrality remained the unifying position among Irish political factions.

Cross-Party Support for Neutrality

Neutrality helped bridge some of the divides left over from the Civil War. Politicians from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who had previously been on opposing sides, now stood together in defence of the policy.
This unity allowed them to campaign on a platform of neutrality, making it difficult for opposition parties to gain traction during elections held during the Emergency.
The general election of 1943 saw Fianna Fáil suffer significant losses, dropping ten seats.
Despite this setback, Éamon de Valera managed to retain the position of Taoiseach, although he had to rely on the support of Clann na Talmhan, a new farmers' party that represented the interests of small farmers, a group that felt neglected by Fianna Fáil.

The 1944 Election and Fianna Fáil's Recovery

Dissatisfaction with the hardships of wartime conditions, including rationing and economic challenges, led to Fine Gael's further decline in the 1943 election, where they lost 13 seats.
However, Fianna Fáil also faced losses, especially to Clann na Talmhan. With no clear majority, de Valera was elected Taoiseach with Clann na Talmhan's support but found the position precarious.
In early 1944, de Valera refused a request from British and American representatives to break off diplomatic relations with Germany and Japan, further straining international relations.
This refusal was part of the broader context of the "American Note," where the United States pressured neutral countries to take a firmer stance against the Axis powers.
De Valera's refusal to comply with this pressure demonstrated his commitment to Irish sovereignty and neutrality, a stance that resonated with the Irish electorate.
In May 1944, de Valera seized the opportunity to call another general election, hoping to strengthen his position.
- Circumstances were favourable for Fianna Fáil, as the party benefited from its consistent policy of neutrality and the disarray within the opposition.
- Fine Gael had just changed leaders, with Richard Mulcahy taking over from W.T. Cosgrave, but the party was weakened by poor organisation and an uninspiring campaign.
- The 1944 election resulted in a strong victory for Fianna Fáil, which increased its number of seats from the previous election.
With 76 seats, Fianna Fáil was the only party to gain additional representation, and de Valera was once again elected Taoiseach, reaffirming his mandate to lead the Irish Free State through the difficult final years of the Emergency.

G2 Irish Military Intelligence and the End of the War

During the war, G2, the Irish military intelligence branch, played a crucial role in maintaining national security.
They monitored foreign espionage activities within Ireland, particularly those of the Axis powers, and provided valuable intelligence to the government.
G2's work ensured that Ireland's neutrality was not compromised, even as they covertly cooperated with the Allies by sharing information that helped ensure the country's safety.
As the war drew to a close, de Valera faced increasing pressure from the Allied powers, particularly Great Britain and the United States, to abandon neutrality.
When U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in April 1945, de Valera visited the American representative to express condolences, a move that was criticised internationally when contrasted with his reserved response to Hitler's death later that month.
Tensions between the Irish and British governments over the policy of neutrality were highlighted in Winston Churchill's victory speech on May 13, 1945.
Churchill criticised de Valera's government, implying that it had been too lenient with the Axis powers. Three days later, de Valera's measured reply, which defended Ireland's right to maintain neutrality, was widely regarded as one of his finest speeches.
He argued that Ireland's small size and commitment to justice had always been its strength and that acting justly, even in difficult times, would always be rewarded.
De Valera's response was celebrated in Ireland, where it reinforced the popular support for neutrality that had characterised the country's wartime experience.
The speech underscored Ireland's determination to chart its own course, independent of external pressures.

Key Questions Answered

The Irish approach to the Second World War can be a dense topic and is often overlooked by students when studying. Below we have taken some of the most frequently asked short and medium questions and have included a brief roadmap on how to answer them below.

How was Irish neutrality affected by America's entry into the war in 1941?

Ireland remained neutral, but pressure from the Allies increased.
The U.S. entering the war intensified the global conflict, which affected Irish trade and supplies.
Ireland had to carefully navigate relationships with both the Allies and the Axis powers to maintain its neutrality.

What was the 'American Note'?

A diplomatic message sent by the U.S. government to Ireland in 1944.
The note expressed concern over Ireland's neutrality, especially in light of the U.S. and Allied efforts in the war.
It indirectly pressured Ireland to reconsider its stance or at least cooperate more with the Allies.

Outline the main developments in Irish politics during the war years.

The Emergency Powers Act was introduced, giving the Irish government significant control over the country.
De Valera maintained strict neutrality, despite external pressures.
Ireland focused on self-sufficiency due to wartime shortages and the impact of the war on its economy.

What is the main message in Churchill's speech on 13 May?

Churchill emphasised Britain's resolve to continue the fight against the Axis powers.
He aimed to inspire confidence and determination in the British people.
The speech was a rallying cry for unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

What is the message in de Valera's speech on 16 May?

De Valera defended Ireland's neutral stance during the war.
He emphasised the importance of sovereignty and independence in making decisions that best served Ireland.
The speech was intended to reassure the Irish people that neutrality was their country's best course of action.

Which speech do you feel is more objective?

Churchill's speech was more about rallying support and inspiring determination in the war effort.
De Valera's speech focused on justifying neutrality and independence.
The choice of which is more objective might depend on whether one views neutrality or active resistance as the more rational stance during the war.

'The Free State was not strictly neutral during the Emergency.' Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Some argue that Ireland's neutrality was compromised by small acts of cooperation with the Allies, like sharing weather reports.
Others believe Ireland was neutral because it did not openly support either side militarily.
The strictness of neutrality is debated, as Ireland balanced between keeping its own security and not provoking any major powers.

'Although the rest of the world may have been deceived into believing Ireland was indifferent to the Nazi menace, de Valera had given all the help possible, short of war.' (Dwyer) Do you agree with this statement?

Ireland provided some support to the Allies (e.g., sharing information) but did not engage in the war.
De Valera's government worked to protect Ireland's interests while avoiding direct conflict.
The statement suggests that Ireland was quietly aiding the Allies without breaking its official stance of neutrality.

The Late Years of the Emergency (1943-45) Simplified Revision Notes for Leaving Cert History