Who was the politician? Question for Political Historians here.

virino

In 'From The Archives' in today's Irish Times, page 16, there is a letter reprinted from April 16th 1955. Could anyone make an educated guess as to who the author could be? The signature is "Quo Vadis", Dáil Éireann. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, and perhaps the name is an 'open secret'. Any ideas?

timesnap

virino wrote: »

In 'From The Archives' in today's Irish Times, page 16, there is a letter reprinted from April 16th 1955. Could anyone make an educated guess as to who the author could be? The signature is "Quo Vadis", Dáil Éireann. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, and perhaps the name is an 'open secret'. Any ideas?

Hi virino,I am surprised that none of the great minds in the politics forum have not replied to you.
apparently the remains of the first politician have been found in a bog,note how well the skeletal remains reflect where each politician who followed firmly have their head placed.


http://www.abundance-and-happiness.com/humor-first-politician.html

virino

Ha ha, thank you for that. It's good to get one answer at least. I appreciate it. It's probably just too long ago for the posters here.

later12

Link? Or what's the gist of the letter?

nuac

Was in secondary school at the time. Cant recall any incident which could give rise to Quo Vadis letter. There was more Latin about at the time. In more recent times Wilson would be about the only TD quoting Latin

virino

To be honest, I suppose you wouldn't have to know much Latin to sign a letter Quo Vadis. There was a well-known film with that title around that time. I think the meaning of the signature is that Christ was being re-crucified.

The gist of the letter, which was reprinted in Joe Joyce's Archives column in the Irish Times of yesterday, was that the bishop of Cork, Cornelius Lucey had made a speech in which he stated that "the Bishop's (sic) were the final arbiters of right and wrong even in political matters."

Describing this as "an ill-timed and irresponsible outburst" the deputy says he doesn't want to lose his career before it has started, (perhaps indicating that he is a very new deputy) is very angry and repudiates this statement of the bishop, ending by saying that his one hate is hypocrisy. Oh, they were good days for the Church in Ireland, weren't they!

K-9

virino wrote: »

To be honest, I suppose you wouldn't have to know much Latin to sign a letter Quo Vadis. There was a well-known film with that title around that time. I think the meaning of the signature is that Christ was being re-crucified.

The gist of the letter, which was reprinted in Joe Joyce's Archives column in the Irish Times of yesterday, was that the bishop of Cork, Cornelius Lucey had made a speech in which he stated that "the Bishop's (sic) were the final arbiters of right and wrong even in political matters."

Describing this as "an ill-timed and irresponsible outburst" the deputy says he doesn't want to lose his career before it has started, (perhaps indicating that he is a very new deputy) is very angry and repudiates this statement of the bishop, ending by saying that his one hate is hypocrisy. Oh, they were good days for the Church in Ireland, weren't they!

Could well be a FG TD seeing as they were in Government and the statement was probably aimed at them, though could well have been Labour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_general_election,_1954

James Tully and Donagh O'Malley would stand out as new members but O'Malley was FF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_general_election,_1951

Hillery maybe but again FF.

virino

I suppose since the deputy was remaining anonymous it could be someone from any of the parties. Donough O'Malley, now there's a thought...presumably the newspaper would have known, or would they have published it without authentication, d'you think?

K-9

virino wrote: »

I suppose since the deputy was remaining anonymous it could be someone from any of the parties. Donough O'Malley, now there's a thought...presumably the newspaper would have known, or would they have published it without authentication, d'you think?

Would have thought they would have known. O'Malley or Hillery would fit but it could be a FG or Labour TD, maybe he/she didn't go on to be a minister or a long term TD. FG would have been socially conservative then as well, the 60/70's seen more liberal politicians elected. Doesn't mean it wasn't though!

nuac

I think the average age of practising politicians was higher then - may veterans of the War of Independence still around.

Younger people in main parties were finding it harder to come thru as the established TDs had tight control of the party organisations in their area ( 'twas ever thus, but more so then )

Possibly the letter writer was in one of the new parties e.g. Clann na Poblachta, Clann na Talún ? - may have jsut been a councillor or senator rather than a TD.?

In those days not many would have taken on Dr Lucey publicly