Ireland's New Traditionalists

Fianna Fail republicanism and gender, 1926-1938

By Kenneth Shonk | Publisher: Cork University Press

About the book

The creation of Fianna Fail in 1926 marked a new era in Irish politics wherein an evolved version of Irish republicanism, suited to operate in the Irish Free State, entered the political arena. Fianna Fail was indeed a political organisation, but it was also a nationalist project, intent on creating a wide-reaching electorate and shaping Ireland's political discourse. De Valera's party defied the moribund direction of Irish republicanism, reversing the trend to the extent that the movement ultimately triumphed with the passage of the 1937 Bunreacht na hEireann (Constitution of Ireland) and the Eire Confirmation Bill of 1938. Ireland's New Traditionalists situates Fianna Fail's nationalist republican project within a broader European context by analysing the republican aesthetic through the lens of gender theory as well as situating Ireland within the context of interwar Europe. This analytical approach reveals that Fianna Fail--the party that 'made' the modern Irish Republic--spent a great deal of time and energy in building a national discourse rooted in a male/female binary that served to 'correct' short term crises and long-term traumas by fabricating versions of an idealised Irish Feminine and Masculine that served to embody the party's vision of a traditionalist, yet modern Ireland.

Editions of Ireland's New Traditionalists

Hardcover
ISBN 9781782054399

Read an Excerpt

The creation of Fianna Fail in 1926 marked a new era in Irish politics wherein an evolved version of Irish republicanism, suited to operate in the Irish Free State, entered the political arena. Fianna Fail was indeed a political organisation, but it was also a nationalist project, intent on creating a wide-reaching electorate and shaping Ireland's political discourse. De Valera's party defied the moribund direction of Irish republicanism, reversing the trend to the extent that the movement ultimately triumphed with the passage of the 1937 Bunreacht na hEireann (Constitution of Ireland) and the Eire Confirmation Bill of 1938. Ireland's New Traditionalists situates Fianna Fail's nationalist republican project within a broader European context by analysing the republican aesthetic through the lens of gender theory as well as situating Ireland within the context of interwar Europe. This analytical approach reveals that Fianna Fail--the party that 'made' the modern Irish Republic--spent a great deal of time and energy in building a national discourse rooted in a male/female binary that served to 'correct' short term crises and long-term traumas by fabricating versions of an idealised Irish Feminine and Masculine that served to embody the party's vision of a traditionalist, yet modern Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ireland's New Traditionalists about?

The creation of Fianna Fail in 1926 marked a new era in Irish politics wherein an evolved version of Irish republicanism, suited to operate in the Irish Free State, entered the political arena. Fianna Fail was indeed a political organisation, but it was also a nationalist project, intent on creating a wide-reaching electorate and shaping Ireland's political discourse. De Valera's party defied the moribund direction of Irish republicanism, reversing the trend to the extent that the movement ultimately triumphed with the passage of the 1937 Bunreacht na hEireann (Constitution of Ireland) and the Eire Confirmation Bill of 1938. Ireland's New Traditionalists situates Fianna Fail's nationalist republican project within a broader European context by analysing the republican aesthetic through the lens of gender theory as well as situating Ireland within the context of interwar Europe. This analytical approach reveals that Fianna Fail--the party that 'made' the modern Irish Republic--spent a great deal of time and energy in building a national discourse rooted in a male/female binary that served to 'correct' short term crises and long-term traumas by fabricating versions of an idealised Irish Feminine and Masculine that served to embody the party's vision of a traditionalist, yet modern Ireland.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ireland's New Traditionalists?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of Ireland's New Traditionalists?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781782054399

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ireland's New Traditionalists?

Kenneth Shonk

Who is the Publisher of the book Ireland's New Traditionalists?

Cork University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Ireland's New Traditionalists is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781782054399)

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Where can I buy Ireland's New Traditionalists?