Constitutional changes and effects on relationships

Constitutional changes and effects on relationships

Constitutional Changes in Northern Ireland and Eire

1920: Government of Ireland Act

  • The Government of Ireland Act was passed in 1920, creating Northern Ireland as a separate entity within the United Kingdom.
  • This Act gave Northern Ireland a degree of self-governance and the ability to manage extensive local affairs independently.
  • The establishment of a Protestant majority within Northern Ireland’s government led to sectarian tensions in the region.

1937: Constitution of Eire

  • Eire adopted a new constitution in 1937, which redefined the Free State as “Eire” and established it as a sovereign entity.
  • This new constitution also included a territorial claim to the entirety of the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
  • The assertion of sovereignty elevated ire from Dev’s dominion status.

1949: Republic of Ireland Act

  • In 1949, the Republic of Ireland Act was passed by the Eire government. This Act officially severed the link with the British monarchy and declared Ireland a republic.
  • Northern Ireland’s position after this Act remained unchanged as it stayed a part of the United Kingdom.

Effects on Relationships

Anglo-Irish Relations

  • The establishment of Northern Ireland and its subsequent self-governance raised suspicions in Eire about Britain’s intentions, leading to strained relations.
  • Eire’s decision to establish a new constitution and to declare itself a republic were seen as provocative moves by the UK, furthering the discontent in their relationship.

Relations within Ireland

  • The creation of Northern Ireland as an entity separate from Eire solidified a political and religious divide on the island, with the majority Protestant North often at odds with the Catholic South.
  • Despite constitutional changes proclaiming sovereignty, Eire’s territorial claim over Northern Ireland heightened tensions between the North and South.

International Relations

  • The assertion of Eire independence and subsequent severance from the British monarchy helped to further define Eire’s position on the international stage.
  • However, Eire’s declaration as a republic and its territorial claims over Northern Ireland led to strained relations with countries allied with or sympathetic to the UK.