David McCullagh

Broadcaster and author

De Valera eligibility for president questioned in 1959

Question marks over Éamon de Valera's eligibility to run for President in 1959 caused panic in official circles, according to newly published documents.

Presidential Election • 18 Sep

Charles is the oldest person ever to become British monarch

Destined to be king - Charles' long apprenticeship ends

As the oldest person ever to become British monarch, King Charles' actions during his reign will determine what sort of institution his son inherits.

Analysis and Comment • 06 May 23

Neutral - but not neutral

While Ireland remains outside any military alliance, there is a clear tradition of Irish foreign policy that supports democracy and opposes breaches of international law.

Analysis and Comment • 27 Feb 22

Arrangements for the transfer of power raised sensitivities on both sides

How does Dublin Castle handover fit into Irish history?

The "handover" of the Castle one hundred years ago was an important step on the long road to the creation of an independent Irish State, which is why it is being commemorated with an official State ceremony this weekend, writes David McCullagh.

Ireland • 16 Jan 22

A cartoon showing Lloyd George bringing the partition bill to Carson

Politics of partition: how different parties saw the new border

The 1920 Government of Ireland act created a border that divided Ireland - but how did politicians approach the issue? David McCullagh explains.

History • 22 Dec 20

Irish politics has, for a century, been structured around the rivalry between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael

After history of rivalry, FF & FG on new path together

It's the political rivalry that has dominated Irish politics since independence. Every government over the last century has been led by one party or the other - and now, for the first time, they are set to govern together.

Politics • 27 Jun 20

De Valera with supporters in San Francisco

De Valera in America: David McCullagh tells the story

When Éamon De Valera made his way to the U.S. in 1919, he was treated like a rock star by adoring American crowds. But his relationship with the Irish-American establishment soon became complicated. David McCullagh tells the story of a controversial tour

De Valera in America • 01 Apr 20

The Christmas card that revealed the exact dimensions of the prison key

Jailbreak! The story of De Valera's daring escape

De Valera in America • 16 Mar 20

'There's more than one Brexit border to worry about'

'There's a lot of talk about the NI border but a lot of the pain of Brexit may be felt elsewhere'

Prime Time • 01 Oct 19

How the first Dáil was a crucial step in Ireland's independence

This was a parliament with no power, no administrative machinery - and no clear way of achieving its aims. But what it did have was a mandate.

First Dáil Centenary • 20 Jan 19