Costello, John Aloysius

Costello, John Aloysius (b. 20 June 1891, d. 5 Jan. 1976). Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of the Irish Republic 1948–51, 1954–57 Born in Dublin and educated at University College Dublin, he was called to the Bar in 1914, and held various government offices serving as Attorney-General of the Irish Free State, 1926–32. He entered Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) in 1933. When Fianna Fáil failed to secure a majority, Costello (although not leader of his own party, Fine Gael) was asked to form a compromise coalition government, commencing 18 April 1948. This Inter-Party Government (1948–51) saw the formal establishment of the Republic of Ireland on 18 April (Easter Monday) 1949. In May 1951 the government fell over the lengthy debate on the ‘Mother and Child’ healthcare scheme (which was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church), and other controversies. Costello formed a second coalition government in May 1954. This second term tried to react to a renewal of IRA activity in Northern Ireland, but failed. A motion of no confidence was moved, and the government resigned in January 1957.