Saor Éire

Saor Éire, a republican‐socialist party set up by the Irish Republican Army in 1931. The idea for such an organization was first aired by Peadar O'Donnell in 1929. Despite much opposition from more military and conservative‐minded IRA members, it was ultimately approved by the Army Convention in 1931. Most delegates wanted to prevent a split on the social issue and realized that a radical political alternative to Fianna Fáil was needed. It held its first convention in September 1931, calling upon workers and small farmers to overthrow Irish capitalism and British imperialism.

Saor Éire can be seen as part of a wave of radical, often communist, organizations which developed in the late 1920s as a result of poor economic conditions. It attracted some support from other radical groups, but the aim of mobilizing independent farmers and unemployed labourers in a common movement was never realistic. The establishment of Saor Éire was seized upon by the Cumann na nGaedheal government, for whom it provided an ideal opportunity to portray all republicans, including Fianna Fáil, as dangerous communists. To deal with this ‘red scare’ a public safety bill was introduced in October 1931 which enhanced the constitutional powers of the police and declared twelve radical organizations, including Saor Éire and the IRA, illegal. In the same month the Catholic hierarchy issued a pastoral letter ex‐communicating all members of these organizations. Saor Éire subsequently dissolved quickly. Another organization with the same name was established in the 1960s.

Joost Augusteijn