The History of Ireland S1 EP62 – On A Merry Go Round With Dev
Sep 9, 2021
Dive into the intricate political negotiations between Eamon de Valera and David Lloyd George as they grapple with Ireland's quest for autonomy. Discover Dev's innovative idea of 'External Association' and the clashes over sovereignty that defined the era. Gain insights into the complex relationship between Ireland and Britain during critical moments in history. The discussions also touch on personal reflections and the emotional ties to home, enriched by a heartfelt song that resonates with the theme of belonging.
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Merry-Go-Round Analogy
- Lloyd George compared arguing with de Valera to chasing someone on a merry-go-round.
- This illustrates de Valera's elusive and difficult negotiating style.
De Valera's Ambiguous Goals
- De Valera's true political goals remained unclear, even to his contemporaries.
- Historians debate whether he truly desired a republic or something else entirely.
External Association
- De Valera's "External Association" concept envisioned Ireland as linked to, but outside, the British Commonwealth.
- This idea, explained with a circle diagram, confused many and was ultimately unsuccessful.