Fianna Fáil leadership election, 1979
Encyclopedia
The 1979 Fianna Fáil leadership election began in December 1979, when Jack Lynch
resigned as party leader and Taoiseach
. Lynch had been party leader for thirteen years and Taoiseach for over nine years. His successor was elected by the members of the Fianna Fáil
parliamentary party on 7 December 1979. After one ballot the election was won by Charles Haughey
.
the fortunes of Jack Lynch
had turned around completely. The economy began to deteriorate, internal divisions within Fianna Fáil
became apparent, party discipline and morale was beginning to break down as pressure mounted on Lynch to step aside. Perhaps the biggest blow to the Taoiseach
's confidence came when the party lost two by-election
s in November 1979, one of which was in Lynch's native city of Cork
.
Upon hearing this, Lynch decided that the time was right for him to resign. It is believed that he had intended to resign in any case, with the date of January 1980 pencilled in. This would certainly seem plausible as it would allow him to fulfill his term as President of the European Economic Community
. However, nothing had been made definite. It is also believed that Lynch's favoured successor and Tánaiste
, George Colley
, went to Lynch and urged him to resign early. Colley, and his supporters, believed that he had enough votes to win a leadership contest, and they thought that the unexpected resignation of the Taoiseach
would catch any other potential candidates off guard. Lynch agreed to this measure as he believed that Colley would succeed him. As a result of this, Jack Lynch
resigned as leader of Fianna Fáil
and Taoiseach
on Wednesday, 5 December 1979. The election to decide his successor was planned to take place two days later.
The contest that developed was a two-horse race between the Tánaiste
and Minister for Finance
, George Colley
, and the Minister for Health and Social Welfare
, Charles Haughey
. Both men were like chalk and cheese. Colley came from the traditional wing of Fianna Fáil
. His father, Henry
, had been a founder-member of the party and Colley was concerned with the fundamental aims of the party, such as the restoration of the Irish Language
. Haughey on the other hand was a self-made politician. He was a prominent cabinet minister in the 1960s and was very much the representative of the new wing of Fianna Fáil. In spite of these differences the two main had some similarities. Both Colley and Haughey were in the same class at school, they attended the same university, they both became members of Fianna Fáil at the same time and they both represented the same constituency at one time.
The support for both candidates was about even up until the very end, however there was one vital difference. Colley had the support of virtually the entire Cabinet
, while Haughey had the support of the majority of backbench TD
s. While Colley believed that a short campaign would take his opponent by surprise, Haughey had been anticipating this moment for many years. A group known as the "gang of five", which consisted of Tom McEllistrim, Mark Killilea, Jnr
, Seán Doherty, Jackie Fahey
and Albert Reynolds
, had tried to whip up support for Haughey within the party for the previous few months, as they had anticipated that a change of leadership was imminent.
The secret ballot to decide the new leader took place on Friday, 7 December 1979 in the Fianna Fáil
parliamentary party room at Leinster House
. On the night before the vote the candidates were neck and neck, and both Colley and Haughey were confident of success. However, at the eleventh hour the Foreign Minister
, Michael O'Kennedy
, who up until then had supported Colley, switched sides and was now advocating Haughey for the leadership. This was a major blow to Colley's campaign. When the votes were counted Haughey emerged as the victor with 44 votes to Colley's 38 votes. Nine years after the Arms Crisis
nearly destroyed his political career, Charles Haughey
was elected leader of Fianna Fáil
in a backbench revolt.
The transition of power from Lynch to Haughey was not a smooth one however. Colley was hugely disappointed, having failed in his second attempt to become leader of Fianna Fáil
. He demanded, and was granted, a veto from Haughey over the new Taoiseach
's appointments to the posts of Minister for Defence
and Minister for Justice. However, Colley, while retaining the post of Tánaiste
, was moved from his position as Minister for Finance. Some of Colley's supporters were also disillusioned at the outcome. Martin O'Donoghue
and possibly Desmond O'Malley
even considered voting against Haughey for the position of Taoiseach, however, they accepted that he had won for the time being.
Four days after the ballot, on 11 December Haughey was elected Taoiseach
by Dáil Éireann
, however, he had to endure six hours of criticism from other TD
s, including Fine Gael
leader Garret FitzGerald
who complained about Haughey's "flawed pedigree." In spite of this, Haughey had been elected to the position he had coveted for the last ten years. However, his victory came at a price, as it would lead to almost two decades of party in-fighting, leadership challenges and the need for political power at all costs. However, Haughey's leadership is also associated with the revival of the Irish economy from near extinction the late 1980s.
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
resigned as party leader and Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
. Lynch had been party leader for thirteen years and Taoiseach for over nine years. His successor was elected by the members of the Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
parliamentary party on 7 December 1979. After one ballot the election was won by Charles Haughey
Charles Haughey
Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil...
.
Standing
- Charles HaugheyCharles HaugheyCharles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil...
, Minister for Health and Social Welfare - George ColleyGeorge ColleyGeorge Colley was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a wide number of Cabinet poistions, most notably as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste. He was twice defeated for the leadership of Fianna Fáil in 1966 and 1979.-Early life:Colley was born in Fairview, on the northside of Dublin...
, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance
Campaign
Following a landslide election victory at the 1977 general electionIrish general election, 1977
The Irish general election of 1977 was held on 16 June 1977 and is regarded as a pivotal point in twentieth century Irish politics. The general election took place in 42 parliamentary constituencies throughout Ireland for 148 seats in the lower house of parliament, Dáil Éireann. The number of...
the fortunes of Jack Lynch
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
had turned around completely. The economy began to deteriorate, internal divisions within Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
became apparent, party discipline and morale was beginning to break down as pressure mounted on Lynch to step aside. Perhaps the biggest blow to the Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
's confidence came when the party lost two by-election
By-election
A by-election is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections....
s in November 1979, one of which was in Lynch's native city of Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
.
Upon hearing this, Lynch decided that the time was right for him to resign. It is believed that he had intended to resign in any case, with the date of January 1980 pencilled in. This would certainly seem plausible as it would allow him to fulfill his term as President of the European Economic Community
European Economic Community
The European Economic Community The European Economic Community (EEC) The European Economic Community (EEC) (also known as the Common Market in the English-speaking world, renamed the European Community (EC) in 1993The information in this article primarily covers the EEC's time as an independent...
. However, nothing had been made definite. It is also believed that Lynch's favoured successor and Tánaiste
Tánaiste
The Tánaiste is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. The current Tánaiste is Eamon Gilmore, TD who was appointed on 9 March 2011.- Origins and etymology :...
, George Colley
George Colley
George Colley was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a wide number of Cabinet poistions, most notably as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste. He was twice defeated for the leadership of Fianna Fáil in 1966 and 1979.-Early life:Colley was born in Fairview, on the northside of Dublin...
, went to Lynch and urged him to resign early. Colley, and his supporters, believed that he had enough votes to win a leadership contest, and they thought that the unexpected resignation of the Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
would catch any other potential candidates off guard. Lynch agreed to this measure as he believed that Colley would succeed him. As a result of this, Jack Lynch
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
resigned as leader of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
and Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
on Wednesday, 5 December 1979. The election to decide his successor was planned to take place two days later.
The contest that developed was a two-horse race between the Tánaiste
Tánaiste
The Tánaiste is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. The current Tánaiste is Eamon Gilmore, TD who was appointed on 9 March 2011.- Origins and etymology :...
and Minister for Finance
Minister for Finance (Ireland)
The Minister for Finance is the title held by the Irish government minister responsible for all financial and monetary matters. The office-holder controls the Department of Finance and is considered one of the most important members of the Government of Ireland.The current Minister for Finance is...
, George Colley
George Colley
George Colley was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a wide number of Cabinet poistions, most notably as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste. He was twice defeated for the leadership of Fianna Fáil in 1966 and 1979.-Early life:Colley was born in Fairview, on the northside of Dublin...
, and the Minister for Health and Social Welfare
Minister for Health and Children (Ireland)
The Minister for Health is the senior minister at the Department of Health in the Government of Ireland and is responsible for health care in the Republic of Ireland and related services.The current Minister for Health is James Reilly, TD...
, Charles Haughey
Charles Haughey
Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil...
. Both men were like chalk and cheese. Colley came from the traditional wing of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
. His father, Henry
Henry Colley
Henry Colley was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician from Dublin.Colley was first elected to Dáil Éireann on his second attempt in the 1944 general election...
, had been a founder-member of the party and Colley was concerned with the fundamental aims of the party, such as the restoration of the Irish Language
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
. Haughey on the other hand was a self-made politician. He was a prominent cabinet minister in the 1960s and was very much the representative of the new wing of Fianna Fáil. In spite of these differences the two main had some similarities. Both Colley and Haughey were in the same class at school, they attended the same university, they both became members of Fianna Fáil at the same time and they both represented the same constituency at one time.
The support for both candidates was about even up until the very end, however there was one vital difference. Colley had the support of virtually the entire Cabinet
Irish Government
The Government of Ireland is the cabinet that exercises executive authority in Ireland.-Members of the Government:Membership of the Government is regulated fundamentally by the Constitution of Ireland. The Government is headed by a prime minister called the Taoiseach...
, while Haughey had the support of the majority of backbench TD
Teachta Dála
A Teachta Dála , usually abbreviated as TD in English, is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas . It is the equivalent of terms such as "Member of Parliament" or "deputy" used in other states. The official translation of the term is "Deputy to the Dáil", though a more literal...
s. While Colley believed that a short campaign would take his opponent by surprise, Haughey had been anticipating this moment for many years. A group known as the "gang of five", which consisted of Tom McEllistrim, Mark Killilea, Jnr
Mark Killilea, Jnr
Mark Killilea, Jnr is a former Irish Fianna Fáil party politician from County Galway. In a 30-year political career, served as a Teachta Dála and Member of the European Parliament and also as a Senator....
, Seán Doherty, Jackie Fahey
Jackie Fahey
John "Jackie" Fahey is a former Irish politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Fianna Fáil party for over twenty five years....
and Albert Reynolds
Albert Reynolds
Albert Reynolds , served as Taoiseach of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize...
, had tried to whip up support for Haughey within the party for the previous few months, as they had anticipated that a change of leadership was imminent.
The secret ballot to decide the new leader took place on Friday, 7 December 1979 in the Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
parliamentary party room at Leinster House
Leinster House
Leinster House is the name of the building housing the Oireachtas, the national parliament of Ireland.Leinster House was originally the ducal palace of the Dukes of Leinster. Since 1922, it is a complex of buildings, of which the former ducal palace is the core, which house Oireachtas Éireann, its...
. On the night before the vote the candidates were neck and neck, and both Colley and Haughey were confident of success. However, at the eleventh hour the Foreign Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is the senior minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Government of Ireland. Its headquarters are at Iveagh House, on St Stephen's Green in Dublin; "Iveagh House" is often used as a metonym for the department as a whole.The current...
, Michael O'Kennedy
Michael O'Kennedy
Michael O'Kennedy is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a range of cabinet positions, most notably as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Finance and Irish European Commissioner.-Early life:...
, who up until then had supported Colley, switched sides and was now advocating Haughey for the leadership. This was a major blow to Colley's campaign. When the votes were counted Haughey emerged as the victor with 44 votes to Colley's 38 votes. Nine years after the Arms Crisis
Arms Crisis
The Arms Crisis or Arms Trial was a political scandal in the Republic of Ireland in 1970, when two cabinet ministers — Charles Haughey and Neil Blaney — were sacked for allegedly attempting to illegally import arms for the Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland.-Background:The...
nearly destroyed his political career, Charles Haughey
Charles Haughey
Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil...
was elected leader of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
in a backbench revolt.
The transition of power from Lynch to Haughey was not a smooth one however. Colley was hugely disappointed, having failed in his second attempt to become leader of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
. He demanded, and was granted, a veto from Haughey over the new Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
's appointments to the posts of Minister for Defence
Minister for Defence (Ireland)
The Minister for Defence is the senior minister at the Department of Defence in the Government of Ireland. Under new arrangements this department is being merged with the Department of Justice over which Mr. Shatter will also preside....
and Minister for Justice. However, Colley, while retaining the post of Tánaiste
Tánaiste
The Tánaiste is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. The current Tánaiste is Eamon Gilmore, TD who was appointed on 9 March 2011.- Origins and etymology :...
, was moved from his position as Minister for Finance. Some of Colley's supporters were also disillusioned at the outcome. Martin O'Donoghue
Martin O'Donoghue
Martin O'Donoghue is a former Irish politician and economist. He also served as a Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála and holds the distinction of being one of only five TDs to be appointed Minister on their first day in the Dáil...
and possibly Desmond O'Malley
Desmond O'Malley
Desmond Joseph "Des" O'Malley is a former Irish politician.Born in Limerick, O'Malley was raised in a local political dynasty that had a strong association with Fianna Fáil. Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1968, he quickly became a trusted confidante of Taoiseach Jack Lynch...
even considered voting against Haughey for the position of Taoiseach, however, they accepted that he had won for the time being.
Four days after the ballot, on 11 December Haughey was elected Taoiseach
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
by Dáil Éireann
Dáil Éireann
Dáil Éireann is the lower house, but principal chamber, of the Oireachtas , which also includes the President of Ireland and Seanad Éireann . It is directly elected at least once in every five years under the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote...
, however, he had to endure six hours of criticism from other TD
Teachta Dála
A Teachta Dála , usually abbreviated as TD in English, is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas . It is the equivalent of terms such as "Member of Parliament" or "deputy" used in other states. The official translation of the term is "Deputy to the Dáil", though a more literal...
s, including Fine Gael
Fine Gael
Fine Gael is a centre-right to centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is the single largest party in Ireland in the Oireachtas, in local government, and in terms of Members of the European Parliament. The party has a membership of over 35,000...
leader Garret FitzGerald
Garret FitzGerald
Garret FitzGerald was an Irish politician who was twice Taoiseach of Ireland, serving in office from July 1981 to February 1982 and again from December 1982 to March 1987. FitzGerald was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1965 and was subsequently elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fine Gael TD in 1969. He...
who complained about Haughey's "flawed pedigree." In spite of this, Haughey had been elected to the position he had coveted for the last ten years. However, his victory came at a price, as it would lead to almost two decades of party in-fighting, leadership challenges and the need for political power at all costs. However, Haughey's leadership is also associated with the revival of the Irish economy from near extinction the late 1980s.
| Election: 7 December, 1979 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Charles Haughey Charles Haughey Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil... |
44 | 54% | |
| George Colley George Colley George Colley was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a wide number of Cabinet poistions, most notably as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste. He was twice defeated for the leadership of Fianna Fáil in 1966 and 1979.-Early life:Colley was born in Fairview, on the northside of Dublin... |
38 | 46% | |
| Turnout | 82 | ||
| Result: Haughey elected leader. | |||