Creating Ireland

A look at Ireland's cultural and social history through ninety years of the Dail.

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As the first shots of the War of Independence rang out, those given power in the 1918 general election turned their backs on Westminster and established the assembly of Ireland - Dail Eireann. Since it gathered for the first time on 21 January 1919, the Dail has been at the heart of Irish life, shaping the growing nation and providing the backdrop for many of the major debates that have defined Irish society and what it means to be Irish. From the entry of Fianna Fail into the Dail in 1926 - with some TDs bringing guns, just in case - to the forming of the Constitution, and the debates on abortion, divorce, emigration and neutrality, what happens within the walls of Government Buildings reflects who we are. Creating Ireland is a fascinating exploration of Ireland through its politicians and its people reflecting its changing position from fledgling nation to stalwart of Europe.