FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fianna Fáil's decision to take its seats in the Dáil in 1927 was forced by the Free State's reaction to the assassination of Kevin O'Higgins, and followed a deal with the Labour Party to support (but not be part of) a Labour-led coalition government of less than a third of the Dáil's members. With speculation rife about the imminent defeat of the five-year old Cumann na nGaedheal administration – which turned out to be five years premature – the taking of the oath turned out to be a low-key affair, as this report indicates. – JOE JOYCE
HAVING DECIDED at their conference on Wednesday night to comply with Article 17 of the Constitution and enter the Dáil, the members of the Fianna Fail Party lost no time in putting that decision into operation.
At 11 o’clock yesterday morning the party whips – Messrs Frank Aiken, Gerald Boland and Seán Lemass – arrived at Leinster House. They were received by Mr. Thomas Johnson, leader of the Labour Party, and Captain W. A. Redmond, leader of the National League, who introduced them to the Clerk of the Dáil. Mr. Colm Ó Murchadha, the Clerk, administered the oath of allegiance, to which they subscribed their signatures
The oath is as follows: “I do solemnly swear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the Irish Free State as by law established, and that I will be faithful to H.M. King George V, his heirs and successors by law in virtue of the common citizenship of Ireland with Great Britain, and her adherence to and membership of the group of nations forming the British Commonwealth of Nations.”
The Fianna Fáil deputies arrived at intervals during the next two hours and a half. At 1.35 p.m., with the arrival of Mr. de Valera, who was accompanied by Dr. [James] Ryan, Mr. M[artin] J. Corry, all of them had presented themselves at the Clerk’s office and taken the oath.
After signing the roll they were shown over various parts of the House by ushers. They were supplied with copies of the Standing Orders, and arrangements were made for their seating accommodation in the Chamber itself. By 2 o’clock they had all again left the building. Their coming and going had passed almost unnoticed.
During the forenoon there was a meeting of the Executive Council [cabinet] to consider the new situation. The National League and Labour Parties also held meetings during the day. In the Absence of Mr. [Patrick] Baxter, leader of the Farmers’ Party, there was no meeting of that group. President Cosgrave remarked: “I am very pleased to see them coming into the Dáil, and I think it is the best thing than has happened during the last five years.”
Interviewed last night after a meeting of Labour deputies and Senators at Leinster House, Mr Thomas Johnson made the following statement: “The entry of Fianna Fáil deputies into Dáil Éireann is a political event of the first importance, opening up an entirely new and more hopeful prospect.”