"The Others" The Alan Kinsella Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alan
This Episode covers The Legion of Ex-Servicemen (Later the British Legion) that contested a number of Irish elections between 1925 and 1934.
In 1987 and 1989 Ronald Smith Ran under the moniker of "GOD-For Bible Readings In The Dail". This is the story of those campaigns and what happened in between. There is also a short piece on Andrew Treacy who ran in 1985 in Midleton UDC.
Founded in 1924 , the Party was a split from Cumann na nGaedheal caused by the treatment of Army Officers in the 1924 Army Mutiny. This episode covers the Party as well as the Army Mutiny. The Group were also known as The National League and National Party
In the 1997 General Election , 11 candidates stood for The Independent Dublin Dream Team Band. This was the Irish branch of The Rainbow Dream Ticket, Vote For Yourself, Make Politicians History series of Parties founded by Rainbow George Weiss. This episode covers the 1997 General Election Campaign as well as Rainbow Georges various forays into Irish Politics, North and South.
In early 1991, An Post issued details of a massive cost cutting plan which involved the closure and downgrading of various Post Offices throughout the Country as well as the introduction of roadside boxes for those whose dwellings were a distance from the road. Two 'Post Office Candidates' , Paul Beirne and Danny Burke stood in Roscommon in the Local Elections as a protest.
Founded in 1978, The United Labour Party contested a number of elections in Northern Ireland. A Socialist Non Sectarian Party, among those involved were Paddy Devlin and John Coulthard. They petered out around 1984, with some members later becoming part of the Labour 87 group.
This episode covers The Militant Tendency, Militant Labour in Ireland up until their renaming as The Socialist Party. Their origin, activities in Labour, expulsion and as a separate entity.
A look at the 1944 General Election Campaign of James Clarke running as an Old IRA candidate in Laois Offaly. This episode also has a brief history of the Old IRA, their aims, objectives and so on.
Having been elected for Fianna Fáil in June 1927, Patrick Belton took his seat in the Dail and was expelled from Fianna Fáil for doing so. He stood as an Independent in September 1927. He later stood for Cumann na nGaedheal and was elected for them in 1933. One of the few people to have been elected as a TD for both Fianna Fáil and Cumann na nGaedheal.
In the 1957 General Election, Independent Unemployed Protest Committee candidate Jack Murphy caused a shock when elected to the Dail. This episode looks at Murphy and the Unemployed Protest Committee that he was a co-founder of.
A look at the Vanguard a far Left group set up by Peadar Cowan in 1944 as well as Cowan's Political career in Labour and Clann Na Poblachta.
A look at the 1997 Westminster Election Campaign of former Northern Ireland International Derek Dougan as well as a bit on his football career, time at the PFA and so on.
United Front Labour was an Alliance of The Communist Party of Ireland, Socialist Party of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Labour Party and various Trade Union groups that contested the 1936 Municipal and Guardians elections in Belfast. This episode covers initial overtures about Left Unity as well as the election campaigns themselves.
The Ulster Christian Democrat Party contested the 1996 Forum Elections.They wanted all churches to recognise the Northern Irish state, Northern Ireland to be renamed 'Ulster', to become Independent and be part of the Commonwealth. Their Website
Democratic Partnership was a group made up of Peace People, Peace Activists , Trade Unionists and ex Northern Ireland Labour Party members. They contested the 1996 Northern Ireland Forum Elections. This episode also covers the Northern Ireland Forum electoral system, which was unique and as far as I know hasn't been used since.
In the 1937 General Election, War of Independence and Civil War veteran Martin Brennan ran as an Independent Republican in Sligo. This episode looks at that campaign and briefly looks at his War of Independence record and time as a Fianna Fail TD.
Founded in 2014, The National Citizens Movement grew out of The Anti Water Charges and wider anti Austerity Movement. They contested the 2015 Carlow Kilkenny By-Election before merging with Direct Democracy Ireland in December 2015.
Howth Development Association held a number of seats on the Howth UDC in the 1930's promoting Tourism and Industry in the area. Howth UDC lasted from 1918 to 1942.
Founded in 1945, The Cork Civic Party had representation on Cork Corporation until they disbanded in 1966. They represented Business interests in the City.
Founded in 1926, The County Monaghan Protestant Association represented Protestant interests on Monaghan County Council until 1999. They also backed various Dail candidates over that period with Alexander Hasslet serving three terms as a TD.
Founded in 2014, Meath Centre Left contested the 2014 Local Elections, running two candidates in Ashbourne
Founded in 1985 , The Community Party contested the 1985 Local Elections for Letterkenny UDC and had a Councillor elected. This episode also covers the debate around slot machines in Donegal in that period.
In the 1969 General Election, the then President of USI Ciaran McKeown ran in Dublin South West as an Independent. This episode covers McKeown in College, USI, the election, the aftermath and his life afterwards.
In 1953 William Lawless was selected at the Fianna Fáil Convention to contest the WIcklow By-Election. However He wasn't ratified by Party HQ and Paudge Brennan who came second in the Convention was chosen as the Party Candidate. Lawless ran as an Independent under the banner of The "Fianna Fáil Convention Choice" Candidate. Locally much of the Party supported him.
Initially The Fine Gael Dublin City Group, in 1963 they met and hosted Young Unionists in Dublin and Belfast, by doing so they recognised The Constitution of Northern Ireland. For taking that position they were rebuked by The Fine Gael Leadership and subsequently resigned en masse from the Party. They continued as the Dublin City Group. In the 1965 General Election Jim Deegan stood as an Independent backed by The Dublin City Group. He also stood in the 1970 Dublin South County By-Election.
A regular on ballot papers in the 1980's, William Abbey Of The Holy Cross Fitzsimons contested multiple elections, standing often in multiple constituencies, always without success.
Founded in early 1967, Clann Na Saoirse were a Republican, Anti Common Market Party that contested the 1967 Cork Borough By-Election. They only lasted until late 1968 or early 1969.
Founded in 1961 and led by Sean D. Loftus (later Dublin Bay Loftus), The Christian Democrat Party of Ireland advocated a Small State and Socially conservative teachings. They contested a number of General Elections before disbanding in the early 1980's.
The Cork Unemployed Association/ Cork Unemployed Party ran from the early 1930's to the late 1940's. The Contested Municipal Elections and a General Election. This episode briefly covers attitudes to Unemployment at the time as well as a little history of benefits available to the Unemployed.
Founded for the 1930 Municipal Elections in Dublin, The Greater Dublin Constitutional Group were a Cumann na nGaedheal aligned group that were the biggest Party on Dublin Corporation between 1930 and 1933.
Voice of Wicklow were a split in Fine Gael in Wicklow caused by Shane Ross being added to the ticket in the 1991 Local Elections. (Previously Released)
Founded in 1999 The Motor Insurance Justice Action Group fought for the rights of young drivers crippled with exorbitant costs for Car Insurance. In the 2002 General Election they nominated David Green to run in Dublin Mid West.
The National Democratic Party and Land League were founded in 1923 to appeal to small farmers and leaseholders. It contested the 1923 General Election and disbanded shortly afterwards.
Founded in 2001 , The Derry based Socialist Environmental Alliance was associated with the SWP and contested a number of elections before dissolving in 2008 with much of the membership joining People Before Profit.
The Independents Health Alliance stood eight candidates in the 2002 General Election.
Among them Finian McGrath who was elected. Others included the now Fine Gael Councillor Molly Buckley in Laois Offaly and former Limerick Hurling manager Tom Ryan.
Founded by Noel O'Gara, The Planning Reform Party stood in 4 constituencies in the 2007 General Election and also in the 2009 Dublin South By-Election. The Party objected to the planning system.
The United Citizens Party contested the 1930 Local Elections in Dun Laoghaire. This episode takes a look at them and also at the Cumann na nGaedheal attitude to contesting Local Elections as well as Fine Gaels attitude to contesting them.
The Women's Social and Progressive League was a women's organisation founded in Ireland in 1937 by Hanna Sheehy Skeffington. It was committed to opposing the 1937 constitution of Ireland and any regressive consequences it would entail; the organisation opposed articles 40, 41, and 45 concerning the status of women. In the 1943 General Election Hanna Sheehy Skeffington stood as an Independent backed by The Women's Social and Progressive League.
One of the smallest registered parties, The Letterkenny Residents Party were founded in 2008, contested the Letterkenny Town ouncil Elections in 2009 and the Letterkenny/Milford area in the 2014 Local Elections. Tom Crossan was elected to Letterkenny Town Council in 2009.
Cumann Poblachta na hÉireann were a Short lived Republican Party set up by the IRA in early 1936. They contested the 1936 Dublin Municipal Elections as well as two Dail By-Elections in Galway and Wexford in the same year. They dissolved in 1938.
Growing from the Anti Water Charges movement in the mid 90's, The Taxation Justice Alliance included The Socialist Party, Seamus Healy, Paddy Mulcahy and Owen Poole and contested the 1997 General Election. Aside from being anti Service Charges, it wanted a fairer tax system for PAYE workers, changes to allowances and the wealthy to be taxed more.
In the 1937 General Election there were seven candidates running as Independents that had left Fianna Fáil in the previous six months. Three were outgoing TD's. Some had been selected at a Selection Convention but rejected by The National Executive, others rejected at a Convention and others had left the party in a disagreement over policy.
A look at the Youth Defence Campaign in and leading up to the 1992 General Election, which was held on the same day as three Abortion Referenda.
A look at the 1979 Local Elections Campaign of DJ Franklin Dee who ran in Navan UDC and for Meath Co. Council. Has a bit of a twist in it and a brief look at Show business and politics.
This episode covers the NATO candidates in the 1991 and 1994 Local Elections as well as the issues in The Workers' Party that led a number of Drogheda based members to leave in 1989.
Founded in 1986, The National Legal Justice Action Group campaigned against Negligence, Corruption and other issues with the Legal Profession as well as taking up the cases of Father Niall Molloy and Patrick Nugent. It contested the 1987 and 1989 General Elections.
Representing the remaining Tenant Farmers the Unbought Tenants' Association contested the 1923 General Election and the 1925 Stormont Election. They had been in existence since the early 1900's.
Set up in 1984, The People's Party of Ireland contested the 1985 Local Elections and the 1987 General Election before dissolving in 1988. Led by Joe McCormack it won a Seat on Portlaoise Town Commission in 1985.
The Businessman's Party contested the 1923 General Election, having two candidates elected. An interesting group that felt business interests needed to be at the fore of the new State. They dissolved a few years later, confident that their aims were in the main being met by the existing Parties.
Former in 1992, The Wicklow Independent Organisation had Johnny Fox and Mildred Fox elected to the Dail, as well as Mildred and Christopher Fox elected to Wicklow County Council. A very successful organisation , it never lost an election.
Having been suspended by Official Sinn Féin, Seamus Costello contested the 1974 Local Elections as an Independent Sinn Féin candidate.
Founded in 1953, The Young Ireland Party fielded 3 candidates in the 1954 General Election and disappeared soon afterwards.
The Carlow Cottage Tenants Association fielded five candidates in the 1955 Local Elections in Carlow. They were mainly concerned with the issues of Farm Labourers and Cottage Tenants.
National Action were a Far Right 'Movement in existence from 1952 to the early 1960's. They advocated "A National Non-Party Plan for the establishment of an Original Irish System of government based on Christian Social Teaching and on National Unity". They contested the 1954 General Election.
Founded in 1977 with Noel Browne, Matt Merrigan and others involved, The Socialist Labour Party lasted until June 1982. Initially there were high hopes for the party but outside of Noel Browne, electoral success evaded them.
Just re-releasing an older episodes of the podcast --- A look at candidates that campaigned on the issue of Television Services , with a background to the MMDS and TV Deflector rows over the years. Billy Kirwin in 1977 was the first and Tom Gildea was the most successful getting elected in 1997
In the 1977 General Election, a number of members of The Liaison Committee of The Labour Left stood as Independent Labour candidates. Among them were Noel Browne and Matt Merrigan. This episode covers the issues in the Labour Party in the mid 70's which were part of the leadup to the candidates running as Independent Labour. Many of those in The Liaison Committee of The Labour Left were involved in the Socialist Labour Party set up later in 1977.
(A rerecording of the first podcast episode where the sound was awful) In the 1991 Local Elections CRAG made National Headlines when taking 4 seats on Cavan County Council. They ran candidates in subsequent elections too.
Founded in 1936, The Farmers Trade Union were based in Cavan and had branches in Monaghan, Leitrim and Longford also. They contested Local Elections in Cavan winning seats in a number of elections. In 1955 they dissolved to become part of the National Farmers Union.
Set up in 1967, The Liberal Party of Ireland contested a number of by-elections before becoming defunct in late 1969. They raised issues such as Mental Health and family planning.
Founded in January 1971, The Socialist Party of Ireland were a pro Soviet Party that subscribed to the Two Nations Theory. Based mainly around Ballymun and Tallaght they contested the 1977 and 1981 General Elections as well as the 1979 Local Elections. In 1982 they became part of the new Democratic Socialist Party.
In November 1982 Terry Moroney stood as a candidate in Waterford backed by various Unemployed Groups within the County. Moroney had been one of those that took part in the "March For Decent Jobs" from Dungarvan to Dublin that Summer. This episode tells the story of the march as well as the election campaign.
In 1977, with Tullamore Hospital under threat of downgrading, the Tullamore Hospital Campaign selected Jim Guinan (A former Monetary Reform Party, Fine Gael and then Independent Councillor) to run in the General Election.
Set up in the early 1980's by Antoinette Clancy, The Women's Political Party main aim was to provide a Party for women made up of women, providing a path into politics for women in a male dominated Political world. They Campaigned in the 1983 Abortion Referendum (Against) and the 1986 Divorce Referendum (Advocating a Yes Vote). They never, however contested elections.
The Monetary Reform Party were founded in the early 1940's, had Oliver J Flanagan elected as a TD in 1943. There was a split and Flanagan's Laois -Offaly group went their own way before joining Fine Gael. The Remaining Monetary Reform Party had elected reps until the early 1970's.
Founded in late 1993, The South Kerry Independent Alliance has been one of the most successful of our small parties as they still hold a seat on Kerry County Council.
You'll find material from the Party here
https://irishelectionliterature.com/category/south-kerry-independent-alliance-skia/
The National Party were a Party with a Catholic Ethos led by Nora Bennis that contested the 1997 General Election, 1998 Limerick East by-election and 2002 General Election before renaming itself The Catholic Democrats and contesting the 2014 European and 2016 General Elections.
Set up in 1967, The Donegal Progressive Party drew its support mostly from the Unionist and Protestant community in East Donegal. It held a seat on Donegal County Council from 1967 until 1999 and went off the register of political parties in 2009.
Founded in 1930, The Revolutionary Workers Groups / Revolutionary Workers Party contested the 1930 Dublin Municipal Elections. Set up by Moscow as a result of a lack of trust in Jim Larkin Senior, they were a major part of the reformed Communist Party of Ireland in 1933.
A look at The Immigration Control Platform, which were involved in Electoral Politics from 1997 to 2009 and gained a lot of publicity during that period. They were the first of the modern Far Right parties that now exist here.
The Seniors Solidarity Party was set up in 2008 as a reaction to the introduction of the means test for Medical Cards for the over 70's. Although enjoying nationwide support, it fielded just one candidate , Party leader John Wolfe, in the 2009 Local Elections and never stood in an election again
A look at the November 1982 General Election campaign of Nan Joyce , the first member of the Travelling Community to run for the Dáil.
Originally set up as a lobby group The Roscommon Hospital Action Committee have been very influential in Roscommon Politics since first entering the electoral arena in 1985. They have had Councillors from 1985 to the present day and Tom Foxe served as a TD for the group from 1989 to 1997.
A look at The United Left Alliance, formed in late 2010 by The Socialist Party, People Before Profit (SWP), WUAG and Independents. Although not a registered Party the Alliance contested the 2011 General Election before eventually dissolving in 2013.
A look at the H-Block candidates that ran in the 1981 General Election, not just the Official Anti H-Block Armagh candidates but others such as Independent Fianna Fáil, Peoples Democracy and Anti H-Block Independents.
A look at the Irish Independence Party which ran from 1977 until the late 1980's. They fielded 4 candidates in the 1979 UK Elections and were at their height winning 21 seats in the 1981 Northern Irish Local Elections. Sinn Féin's decision to contest Northern Elections resulted in much of the IIPs support being lost.
The National Labour Party were a split from The Labour Party that lasted from 1944 to 1950. The split was due to various factors but mainly that Jim Larkin Snr had been allowed join the party and then selected to run for Labour in 1943, against the wishes of the ITGWU. The National Labour Party felt that Labour Party was overrun with Communists. The differences were finally settled in 1950, when the two parties were serving in Government together.
In the 1970's and 80's the tax burden on PAYE workers was huge. It led to massive protests calling for farmers and self employed to be brought into the Tax net. Growing from those protests was The National Association for the Protection of PAYE Earners (NAPPE). The Tax Reform League became the Political wing of NAPPE and contested the 1987 General Election.
This is the story of the Aontacht Éireann party founded by former Fianna Fáil Minister Kevin Boland in 1971. More Republican than Fianna Fáil they were Initially popular, however the party went downhill, losing all it's seats in the 1973 General Election and 1974 Local Elections.
A look at the Jim Kemmy led Democratic Socialist Party that lasted from 1982 to 1990 before they merged with The Labour Party. It was the first Party here to back Abortion in certain circumstances , were anti Nationalist and very much in favour of the separation of Church and State.
Ailtirí na hAiséirghe were a Fascist Party founded in March 1942 and led by Gearóid Ó Cuinneagáin. They contested the 1943, 1944 and 1948 General Elections and won 9 seats in the 1945 Local Elections.
A look at the 1999 European Elections Campaign of Father Liam Sharkey, the last Catholic Priest to run for election here.
A look at the 1969 General Election campaign of Eunan Curristan of The South West Donegal Hospitalization Committee. He was the first major Independent Hospital candidate to run in a General Election here.
This episode covers the surprise election of Independent Bernie Murphy to Cork Corporation in 1985 in a campaign the likes of which hadn't been seen before in Cork. The reaction to his election as well as looking at his 1987 Dáil Campaign and 1991 Local Elections Campaign.
This episode covers the pro-life Christian party Muintir na hÉireann led by Richard Greene that were very active in the 1990's against Abortion and Divorce. By the time the 1997 General Election came along there were two groups using the Muintir na hÉireann name following a split. The Muintir na hÉireann led by Greene stood in the 1997 General Election.
The episode covers Noel "Flukey" Gorman and his outing in November 1982 for the "Sligo Leitrim Society for the prevention of cruelty to constituents by lying and cheating politicians" and 1987 and 1994 outings for "The All Night Party" .
The Natural Law Party stood in Irish Elections (both North and South) during the 1990s. They were famous for their advocation of Natural Law and the promotion of solving the worlds issues via Yogic Flying.
Córas na Poblachta were a Republican Party founded in 1940 that lasted until 1944. They were seen as a forerunner of Clann na Poblachta. Made up initially of Old IRA men and Civil War Veterans it had many new policies such as a Childrens Allowance that was later adopted by other parties.
This episode looks at The Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement - Gluaiseacht Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeltachta which contested the 1969 and 1973 General Elections and were a catalyst for many changes in Government policy towards Gaeltacht areas.
This Episode covers Lia Fáil an extreme group set up in 1957 to stop Emigration, Redistribute Land and among other things provide Nuclear Weapons to the Irish Army to invade the North and an army of emigrants to destroy the British Empire. They fielded a candidate in the 1960 Local Elections.
This episode covers the Cork based Anti Emigration Movement that fielded candidates in the 1960 Local Elections. They were also part of the broader Emigration Action Movement which was formed as a National Umbrella group for like minded groups and parties.
This episode covers the campaign of the two Fishermen candidates (Coastal Community Candidates) that stood in the November 1982 General Election. Joe O'Shea in Kerry South and John L Sullivan in Cork South West.
They were drawing attention to the issues faced by Fishermen especially to do with Herring quotas in the Celtic Sea. They had a wider agenda of development of the onshore fishing industry and the jobs that could bring to coastal areas.
This Episode cover the 1989 European Elections campaign of Father Paddy Ryan as well as his background and the issue of Extradition in the 1980's
This is the story of the short lived Community Democrats of Ireland who contested the 1979 European Elections. They had a series of self inflicted mishaps during their lifetime which contributed to them not being a success. They are a lesson in what not to do if you found a new party.
This episode tell the story of the Independent Fianna Fáil party founded by Neil T. Blaney after his expulsion from Fianna Fáil. It lasted from 1973 until 2006. There's a background to Blaney , a brief bit on his career as a Minister, Blaneys time in Europe as well as the various elections the party fought,
In the 1957 General Election, The Irish Housewives Association stood three candidates. Mairead McGunness in Dublin North East, Beatrice Dixon in Dublin South West and Kathleen Swanton in Dublin North Central. This episode is about the campaign, a brief history of the Irish Housewives Association as well as touching on Women in Politics.
The National Progressive Democrats was a Left Wing Party set up by Noel Browne and Jack McQuillan in 1958. It lasted until 1963 when Browne and McQuillan joined the Labour Party,
A look at the campaigns of four different Unionist candidates that ran for the Dáil in the 80's and 90's. Stan Gebler Davies in Cork South West in 1987, Michael Brooks in Donegal North East in 1987, Patrick Melly in Sligo Leitrim in 1992 and John McDonald in the 1998 Dublin North Bye-Election.
Poblacht Chríostúil was an Irish political party active from 1956 to the late 1960s. It advocated Catholic social teaching, a planned economy and national self-sufficiency.
This episode covers The Cork Socialist Party which existed in Cork in the mid 1940's and also how the voting age change in 1973 led to a number of Independent Youth candidates standing in the 1974 Local Elections
This episode covers the Army Wives Campaign in the 1989 General Election as well as The National Army Spouses Association.
This episode covers The Cannabis Legalisation Party who ran two candidates in The 1997 General Election and The Justice Party of Ubi Dwyer who ran in two of the elections in the early 80's. Theres an obituary of Ubi Dwyer here which gives a great insight into his time in the UK especially
This episode covers The Internationalists, Communist Party of Ireland (Marxist-Leninist) and their affiliated groups. Tells the story of their foundation in 1965, until their demise in 2000.
This episode takes a look at a number of Gay candidates running in Elections in Ireland in the 1980's. Liz Noonan a Lesbian Feminist in 1981,Feb 1982 and November 1982 , Tonie Walsh in the 1985 Local Elections as well as The Three Gay and Lesbian Equality Campaign candidates in the 1989 General Election.
There is also a look at The Political Organisation for Work which ran a candidate in the 1997 General Election in Dublin South. It was the first mention of Direct Democracy in an Irish Election.
Voice of Wicklow were a split in Fine Gael in Wicklow caused by Shane Ross being added to the ticket in the 1991 Local Elections. Gluais Linn were a short-lived party that stood in the 1945 Municipal Elections in Limerick.
A look at candidates that campaigned on the issue of Television Services , with a background to the MMDS and TV Deflector rows over the years. Billy Kirwin in 1977 was the first and Tom Gildea was the most successful getting elected in 1997
This episode covers The Four Irish Haemophilia Society candidates in the 1991 Local Elections and also covers The Monster Raving Looney Party appearance in the 1997 General Election in Dun Laoghaire
A look at the Waterford People's Party a split from the Workers' Party in Waterford in the mid 1980's.
‘The Others'- The Alan Kinsella Podcast -Episode 3 -The Christian Principles Party and Christian Centrist Party’
A brief look at two small parties. The Blindmans Party that stood in June 1927 and Cine Gael that stood in 1954