John A. Costello, the Reluctant Irish Prime Minister - Taoiseach

Dec 13, 2011
Michael Manning

Taoiseach John A Costello 1948 - UCD Archives

John A. Costello was called to the Irish Bar in 1914, served as Taoiseach twice in the 1940s and 1950s and was still serving as a barrister in 1975.

Costello's (1891-1976) 1991 centenary of his birth was marked with an Irish postage stamp. He was the third man, after Michael Collins and W.T. Cosgrave, to lead an independent Irish government: he was trusted and liked by other parties and his diplomatic chairing of government ensured his two inter-party governments remained cohesive. Costello's modest manner and unsubtle demeanour ensured he did not come to the fore in Irish history.

A Privileged Background

Costello was from a solid middle-class background at a time when Catholics could secure change from the British administration, ensuring the 1908 Irish Universities Act, set up the National Universities of Ireland. Costello attended UCD (University College Dublin) flourishing in debates and qualifying in Law. Costello's classmates at UCD provided the leadership for the new Irish Free State.

On qualifying, Costello worked for Hugh Kennedy who became the first Attorney General of the Irish Free State. Costello's call to the Irish Bar coincided with the First World War where he did not agree with Redmond's policy of sacrificing thousands of Irish lives in the British Army. Costello succeeded in the Quarter Sessions in particular in Co Clare and rapidly made a name for himself.

British rule in Ireland was severely reduced by the burning of courthouses with cinemas and hotels used as temporary courts. In May 1922, Attorney General Hugh Kennedy was under pressure and recruited Costello as his Law Officer. Costello was the only non-combatant in the new Irish Government.

Costello, the Reluctant Taoiseach

Costello was first elected to the Dail (Irish Parliament) in 1933. John A. Costello was unique among Irish heads of government because he was not the leader of the Fine Gael (Tribe of the Irish FG) party. Risteard Mulcahy was FG leader. Costello was chosen in 1948 as a compromise Taoiseach from among the five parties planning to form a government. Costello was very reluctant to take the job because he was wary of the responsibilty. He confided to his son his 'fear of failure as Taoiseach and of bringing discredit on the new administration.' Costello, on being appointed, took on the job with his characteristic determination, energy and application which ensured considerable international exposure to the new Irish Republic. Costello was a part time politician while he practised as a barrister. The other three Irish government leaders (Collins, Cosgrave and de Valera) since 1922 were prominent in the 1916 Rising. Costello was playing golf on the day of the Rising.

Costello, a Successful Taoiseach

Costello held together two very different coalition governments for considerable lengths of time. He attended Commonwealth conventions in the early years of the Irish Free State to resolve the partition issue, yet he removed the External Relations Act and declared the Irish Republic in Canada in 1948 where he was invited to address the Canadian Bar Association and served longer in office than any Fine Gael Taoiseach to date (1948-1952 and 1955-1957).

Costello dealt with the Fine Gael Blueshirts and faced a resurgent IRA during his second period in government. Costello did not use internment in 1956 against the IRA: de Valera destroyed the IRA through internment. The Mother and Child scheme of Health Minister, Dr. Noel Browne faced conflict with the Catholic Church who objected to a socialised health service. Browne was obliged to leave office. Britain's Queen Victoria monument outside Dublin's Government Buildings was moved to a shopping centre, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, Australia by Costello's government.

A New Republic

Costello was not a republican but more a constitutional nationalist, yet he declared the new Irish Republic and immediately sought recognition from potential trade partners worldwide. Costello instigated the inward foreign direct investment that remains in place to this day with Google, eBay and others locating their headquarters in Ireland. The presentation of Irish shamrock to the US President on St. Patrick's Day 17th March, annually, was begun during Costello's second term in office (1955-1957) and continues to this day.