Dáil Debate on Executions

Introduction from Chronology

In the Dáil, George Gavan Duffy launches a strong attack on the government in the Dáil over the execution of Childers and the other executions.  In this, he is supported by Dr Patrick McCartan.  The policy of executions is defended by O’Higgins and Mac Neill. 

Comment

In discussing the policy of executions, Curran says that “It mattered very much that [Childers] refused to allow the people to decide their own political future” and he goes on to say “Whatever criticism may be made of the executions, they achieved their end.”  The latter may be taken as the standard statement of the justification of the execution policy by the pro-Treaty side.

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