Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil (Ireland) The main Irish political party in the twentieth century, whose Irish Gaelic name is translated as ‘Soldiers of Destiny’. It was founded by de Valéra on 16 May 1926, and is often referred to as the ‘Republican Party’. Its initial goals were the ending of the partition of Ireland, the preservation and revitalization of the Irish language, the redistribution of large farms to small farmers, and Irish economic self-sufficiency. Although initially made up of militant nationalists and Sinn Féin members and still opposed to the acceptance of partition, Fianna Fáil agreed to enter Dáil Éireann (the Irish parliament) on 11 August 1927. The party newspaper, the Irish Press, was founded in 1931.

The first Fianna Fáil government was formed on 9 March 1932, headed by de Valéra. The de Valéra governments lasted until 1948, during which time the oath of allegiance to Britain was abolished, the new constitution of the republic was written and adopted (1937), and Ireland asserted and maintained neutrality during World War II. Returning to power in 1951–4, the Fianna Fáil government passed the Social Welfare Act and other social legislation. The 1957–66 governments (under de Valéra 1957–9 and Lemass 1959–66) were noted for their economic reform and success. Under Lynch, the party formed the governments of 1966–73 and 1973–7, which saw further state economic activity and Irish membership of the European Economic Community. Charles Haughey led the party in government 1979–81, 1982, 1982–7. Albert Reynolds served briefly as party leader (1992–4), and was succeeded by Bertie Ahern.

In the absence of left-right ideological divisions in traditional European, Latin American, or Australian terms, Fianna Fáil has styled itself more strictly republican and nationalist than its main rival, Fine Gael. In the 1990s, it suffered from corruption allegations against Haughey, but under Ahern's steady leadership it returned to government in 1997. It extended its majority in 2002, when it narrowly missed an absolute majority of seats in parliament.

http://www.fiannafail.ie