The Republic of Ireland emerged from a protracted struggle with the British Government during the first half of the nineteenth century, leaving the landmass of 'Ireland' divided into two. Self-government initially returned to Southern Ireland in 1922 when the country became a 'Free State' in the British Commonwealth. Further campaigning followed, and in 1939 the Irish Free State adopted a new constitution, replaced the British monarch with an elected president and became 'Éire', 'Ireland'. Full independence - and complete withdrawal from the British Commonwealth - followed with the declaration of the Republic of Ireland in 1949.
This is a chronological list of Ireland's leading statesmen; the dates given are the periods of said rule.
Chairman of the provisional government
1922 Michael Collins
1922 Liam Cosgrave
Prime Ministers
1922 - 1932 Liam Cosgrave
1932 - 1948 Eámon de Valera
1948 - 1951 John Costello
1951 - 1954 Eámon de Valera (2nd term)
1954 - 1957 John Costello (2nd term)
1957 - 1959 Eámon de Valera (3rd term)
1959 - 1966 Sean Lemass
1966 - 1973 Jack Lynch
1973 - 1977 Liam Cosgrave
1977 - 1979 Jack Lynch (2nd term)
1979 - 1981 Charles Haughey
1981 - 1982 Garret FitzGerald
1982 Charles Haughey (2nd term)
1982 - 1987 Garret FitzGerald (2nd term)
1987 - 1992 Charles Haughey (3rd term)
1992 - 1994 Albert Reynolds
1994 - 1997 John Bruton
1997 - Bertie Ahern
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