How Ireland betrayed the working class
The new Irish Free State held out the promise of better conditions, but the attitude to workers and the unemployed was mostly one of contempt
Crowds at the official opening of the Ardnacrusha power plant in 1929
Gerard Hanley
Before the Irish Free State was established, independence had been portrayed as a panacea for resolving all manner of political and social problems, and as a foundation for economic stability and greater equality.
However, initial euphoria quickly gave way to disappointment. The new state was born in the most unfavourable circumstances.
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