IRELAND MUST CELEBRATE THE 1918 ELECTION
Higgins calls for public to reflect on historic vote
Woman casts vote for first time Eamon de Valera MICHAEL D Higgins yesterday said it is appropriate and timely Ireland reflects on and celebrates the centenary of the 1918 General Election.
The President described the historic event, which gave women the right to vote for the first time, as of “fundamental importance” in the country’s history.
He made the comments 100 years to the day since the election, which also allowed women the right to run as candidates for the first time.
The results led to the first Dail Parliament being established in January, 1919, and independence.
Mr Higgins said it represented all the political tendencies of the day and had a particular importance for the suffragette movement.
Women over the age of 30 and all men 21 and older were given the vote.
Mr Higgins said the results represented the greatest single shift in parliamentary representation and also foreshadowed divisions that would deepen on the island.
He added: “The poignancy of the 1918 election was the failure to respect its mandate which would result in the War of Independence and the tragic Civil War.
“It is appropriate and timely we reflect on and celebrate this milestone in Irish history and the rare alliances that made its promise visible and celebrates those who seized and placed their hopes in democracy.”
A number of events to commemorate the centenary took place yesterday.
At Leinster House, Sinn Fein recreated an iconic photo to mark the occasion. A horse and replica carriage emblazoned with election posters was brought to the gates of the building.
Culture Minister Josepha Madigan is marking the event by opening a pop-up museum at Dublin Castle which explores women’s contribution to politics. Michael D Higgins
Year the first Dail Parliament was established in Ireland