Michael J. Kennedy

This is a very well written and argued book. Kennedy develops his thesis to demonstrate how Ireland's role in the League of Nations adapted from when she became a member until the League's effective dissolution. Ireland was able to use the League to distance herself from Britain and to clearly demonstrate that while a Commonwealth member in name that was not going to influence how she would vote at divisions. In addition Ireland would become to be seen as a champion of smaller states which would assist in her ultimate election onto the Council and de Valera's election as President. The role of the early Irish diplomatic service and how the figures involved became increasingly professional is also developed thoroughly. When Fianna Fáil succeeded Cumann na nGaedheal in 1932 there was a shift in how Irish policy at the League developed then and subsequently also.… (más)