Making politics matter - to all
Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue TD reflects on the challenge of making politics more engaging and accessible
- 'A solemn act of defiance' The meeting of the first Dáil was as important globally as it was nationally, making Ireland one of only a dozen democracies in the world at the time
- The fight for democracyIn spite of its being suppressed by the British government as a 'dangerous association', the first Dáil was the foundation of Ireland's modern democracy
- Road to devolution: the first Dáil and Northern Ireland The first Dáil had a huge impact on Northern Ireland and the move towards devolved power
- Putting women in the frame Constance Markievicz blazed a trail in the first Dáil, unashamedly and unabashedly bullying her way into the cabinet and opening door after doorfor the many women who have been elected in the years since
- A separate significant voice Despite much cynicism, and being historically perceived as a British imposition, Seanad Éireann is playing an enhanced role in Irish democracy in recent years
- Tír gan teanga? Ní i 1919 Is trí Ghaeilge a reachtáladh anchuid is mó den gcÉad tionól de Dháil Éireann, ag lÉiriú os comhair an domhain go raibh teanga agus cultúr dá cuid féin ag an tír
- Labour of love Labour's role in the formation of the first Dáil is often misunderstood - their standing down at the birth of democracy in Ireland was a strategic move fuelled by patriotism
- 'Hamlet without the prince' Constrained by censorship from Dublin Castle, the response of the Irish press to the first Dáil was generally muted, with most newspapers expressing hostility towards Sinn FÉin
- 90 years of democracy The Ireland that emerged in 1919 owed more to the democratic tradition than to the cult of blood sacrifice personified by the 1916 leaders. That commitment to democracy still influences every facet of Irish political life
- Witness to a parliamentary history SÉamus Pattison first served in Dáil Éireann in 1961 - and has worked with TDs who served in every single Dáil known to an independent Ireland
- Feathers on the dove of democracy Why would I like to be a TD or Senator - a schoolgirl's view
- Events 90th anniversary programme
Bloodlines
Prof Cathal Brugha (UCD)Grandson of Cathal Brugha and Terence MacSwiney
Nora OwenGrandniece of Michael Collins
Eoin Ryan (MEP)Grandson of James Ryan
Louise Cosgrave (FG councillor, Dún Laoghaire) Granddaughter of WT Cosgrave
Bríd O'DohertyDaughter of Joseph O'Doherty
Síle de ValeraGranddaughter of Eamon de Valera
Michael McDowellGrandson of Eoin MacNeill
