The 3 volumes in this set, originally published between 1934 and 1975 are written by one of Ireland's most respected historians. In the light of problems in recent years with the devolved power-sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland and the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly, these volumes have an enduring relevance and shed important historical perspective on contemporary political issues in both Northern Ireland and Ireland. They discuss: The implications of Anglo-Irish relations in the wider context of nationalist-imperial conflicts The (historical) practical operation of devolution in Northern Ireland And provide Critical analysis of government in the Irish Free State.

Originally published in 1940 but here reissuing the revised third edition of 1975, this book analyses the Irish Question. The study is not a narrative history. While the problems with which it deals have been suggested by the period it covers, it is with the problems and not the period that it is focussed on. Those problems are: the interrelation of economic and social with political forces; the impact of Irish discontent on the Liberal conversion to Home Rule; the character of the political, cultural and social forces behind revolutionary Irish nationalism; and the changing nature of the concept itself. Much attention is given to the implications of Anglo-Irish relations in the wider context of nationalist-imperial conflicts and critical studies are made of the writings of de Tocqueville, Cavour, Marx, Engels and Lenin among others on the Irish Question.

Originally published in 1936, this book provides an accurate and critical analysis of government in the Irish Free State, its principles, structure, philosophy and direction. It discusses clearly and impartially not only the failure of the Treaty settlement but also the electoral system, the legislature, the increase of executive power and the growth of administrative law and justice.

Originally published in 1936, The Government of Northern Ireland examines the practical operation of devolution which was granted to Northern Ireland in 1920. The later phases of the Ulster Question, interacting with a theoretic conception of devolution, provide the historical background in the light of which early 20th Century government in Ireland is analysed. The political, administrative and financial relations between the (then Imperial) and subordinate Parliament, the powers and personnel of the local legislature and the character of the local government are all discussed. The achievement of self-government in Northern Ireland is summarized with special regard to the desirability of a similar grant of devolution to Scotland and Wales.

Originally published in 1961 this book provides a brief historical and political analysis of the very complex but little changing problems which have confronted British and Commonwealth statesmen in their relations with South Africa from the time of the restoration of self-government to the defeated Boer republics of 1907-7 and the inauguration of the Union on May 31, 1910 to the secession of the Republic of South Africa from the Commonwealth on May 31, 1961. The book re-examines, in the light of documentary evidence which became available prior to publication, the aims of Liberal policy in restoring self-government to the Transvaal, the considerations which determined it and the more important consequences that flowed from it in the broader perspective of history.

First Published in 1968. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 1968. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

A significant collection of essays by the late Nicholas Mansergh, one of the leading historians of twentieth century Ireland, edited by his wife, Diana

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

THE IRISH FREE STATE ITS GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS by NICHOLAS MANSERGH B. A., B. Litt. With a Foreword by W. G. S. ADAMS, M. A., HON. D. C. L. Warden of All Souls College, Oxford LONDON GEORGE ALLEN UNWIN LTD MUSEUM STREET FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1934 All rights reserved PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY UNWIN BROTHERS LTD., WOKING TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER PREFACE IT is a commonplace to say that Democracy is on its trial. If this statement is true as I believe it to be true then it is well to examine in the light of more than twelve years of practical experience the peculiar virtues and vices which Representative Government has displayed in our country. This book is an attempt to carry out such an analysis. It is not its purpose to give an exact photographic reproduction of the Government and Politics of the Irish Free State at any precise moment. Rather has it been my aim to discover the underlying principles at work in our political structure. The task was rendered the more interesting, on the one hand by the vitality of the political issues in this country, on the other by my belief that in our generation we are creating a new democratic State. This State, the offspring of a Revolution very real even if not sensational, will make it quite evident that Democracy cannot be subjected to one final interpretation, but must prove itself the form of government best fitted to solve the changing problems of our ever-changing political outlook. It is in no spirit of conventional formality that I wish to thank all who have so kindly helped by criticism and advice during the preparation of this work, for without the encourage ment so generously given by leaders and thinkers of all political parties, bycivil servants, and by the members of the Staff of both Houses of the Oireachtas, this book had been very much the poorer. My gratitude for their unfailing patience and courtesy in answering series of frequently obscure and rather trying questions is deep and sincere. My inquiries were spread over a large field, so it is perhaps rather invidious to mention certain names. But I would like to convey my especial thanks to Professor Michael Hayes, ex-Chairman of Dail Eireann Mr. J. J. Hearne, Legal Adviser to the Department of External Affairs Mr. D. Coffey, Assistant Clerk of Seanad Eireann 8 The Government of the Irish Free State Mr. E. Mansfield, Commissioner at the Land Commission and to Mr. E. J. Riordan, the Controller of Prices, who read over parts of my MSS. and made most valuable suggestions. Further, my thanks are due to Professor A. Zimmern for the opportunity of a most helpful conversation. I cannot conclude this acknowledgement without paying a tribute, inadequate though it be, to Mr. W. G. S. Adams, Warden of All Souls College, Oxford, under whose kindly aegis this work has grown. His experience of the many-sided problems of modern government made his advice an inspiration. I am very grateful that he should do me the honour of writing the Foreword. Needless to say, neither he nor anyone else is in any sense responsible for any statement or opinion whatsoever appearing in this book. NICHOLAS MANSERGH GRENANE HOUSE TIPPERARY 934 FOREWORD IN British-Irish relations, however perverse and difficult, there is only one direction which is worth exploring, and that is the way of good understanding and of friendship between the British and Irish peoples. There has been hatred, and therehas been misunderstanding, and each of these begets unhappiness and ill-will. There can be no real friendship unless it is built on the desire to be friends, and on the will to preserve friendship and to remove whatever divides and breeds distrust and misunderstanding. Within Ireland all men and women of good will must work patiently and with determination for better understanding between North and South. It is easy to sow division, it is slow and difficult to build up confidence and co-operation...