A profile of An Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, leader of the government, Dáil deputy and family man.
Liam Cosgrave served as Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977.
In the 1950s Liam Cosgrave led Ireland into the United Nations as the Minister for External Affairs. Cathal O'Shannon asks Mr Cosgrave about Ireland's position in international affairs. While recognising the importance of Germany, France, and Britain the context of the EEC, Mr Cosgrave feels that Ireland has stood its ground especially on subjects like the Common Agricultural Policy and the fisheries.
I believe that we're adopting a role that's consistent with our interests while at the same time being anxious to ensure that the EEC as an organisation functions.
Representing Ireland at the UN or the EEC is the highest level at which the Taoiseach operates. Getting to this position has been a 34-year long road for Liam Cosgrave having been first elected to the Dáil as a Fine Gael TD for County Dublin in 1943. Having attended Castleknock College, he then joined the army in 1940. Having studied law in the army, he was called to the bar in 1943. In 1943 following in the footsteps of his father WT Cosgravehe entered the Dáil as its youngest TD,.
I was always interested in politics
This episode of 'Tuesday Report' was broadcast on 26 April 1977. The reporter is Cathal O'Shannon.
