Eamon de Valera Quotes

A collection of quotes by Eamon de Valera.

Eamon de Valera was an Irish political leader, born on October 14, 1882, in New York City. His parents were Irish immigrants. When his father died, de Valera's mother brought him back to Ireland, where he grew up in poverty-stricken conditions.

De Valera became actively involved in the struggle for Irish independence during his time as a mathematics teacher. He joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood and participated in the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule. Despite being sentenced to death, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and he spent time in various British prisons.

Following his release, de Valera became a prominent figure in Irish politics. He co-founded the political party Sinn Féin, which advocated for an Irish republic. He served as President of the Irish Republic and played a central role in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. However, he disagreed with the terms of the treaty and opposed the creation of the Irish Free State.

De Valera went on to become the leader of the opposition and later founded his own party, Fianna Fáil. In 1932, he became the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland and remained in power for over 20 years, serving as Taoiseach for three different terms. He is widely recognized for implementing protectionist policies and fostering a sense of Irish nationalism.

Eamon De Valera left an indelible mark on Irish politics, shaping the nation's path towards independence and playing a significant role in its governance for many years. He passed away on August 29, 1975, leaving a complex political legacy that continues to be debated today.