100 years ago, ALDE Party member Fianna Fáil was founded in the aftermath of the Irish civil war. A century later, over 2,000 delegates gathered in Dublin to mark the centenary of what is now the most electorally successful party in the Republic of Ireland’s history.
The 84ú Ard Fheis was tied to a pivotal European moment. Behind the celebrations was an awareness that in July, Ireland is about to step into one of the most politically demanding EU Presidencies in years.
Leading the Irish people to EU membership in 1972, Fianna Fáil now finds itself part of taking on the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a time defined by geopolitical pressure and international fragmentation with traditional allies.
Fianna Fáil was formed as the brainchild of Éamon de Valera, who convinced defeated rebels to lay down their arms and pursue change through democratic means instead. The party won the 1932 general election after just six years - and today it remains the largest party in both national and local government.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin used the occasion to warn against the rise of division and anger in modern politics by reflecting on the party’s legacy:
“The great figures who formed our party rejected negative and divisive politics. They believed that this country could achieve great things, that it could stand proudly among the nations of the world. So let others practice the politics of anger and of exploiting people’s problems. Our duty, our obligation, is to do the much harder work of solving those problems.”
Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne described Ireland’s Presidency as a “generational moment” at a time where “diplomacy matters more than ever” amid global pressure. The presence of ALDE Party member Servant of the People and Vice-President Yevheniia Kravchuk MP at the event reflected this diplomacy, with strong liberal support for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion continues.
The discussions reflected wider anxieties across Europe about war, democratic resilience and whether political moderation can still hold in an increasingly polarised climate. Byrne warned that “democracy cannot be taken for granted” as division rises across Europe.
Former ALDE Party Co-President Timmy Dooley TD spoke to us about the imporance of democratic values to the party:
"From the very first days, Fianna Fáil has believed that international cooperation is the only way to secure our interests and values. Support for democracy has defined our party since its foundation and continues to be in an age of opposition to our core liberal beliefs. This is why Fianna Fáil supports the people of Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, and its membership of the European Union."
While celebrating the party’s national achievements, Fianna Fáil leaders also laid out their plan for the Irish Presidency. The focus is set on competitiveness, simplification, a deeper Single Market, stronger European security, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement and a commitment to protecting EU democratic values.
A century after emerging from the divisions of civil war, Fianna Fáil now finds itself preparing to help steer Europe through a period shaped by war and division. The challenge facing the party is no longer just about governing Ireland, but about defending the democratic values that shaped its own creation.
Written by: Aoife Devereux