A profound industrial dispute rocked Dublin in 1913, playing into a rising tide of nationalism and shaping the unique political landscape of Ireland of the following century. In this episode, Naomi and Tim tell the story of the 1913 Dublin Lockout led by firebrand trade unionist James Larkin. We hear from Jer O’Leary, an artist and actor who portrayed Larkin throughout his life, on what ‘Big Jim’ meant to ordinary Dubliners and his enduring legacy today. We reflect on the fate of the left following independence, when it struggled for significance against the dominant forces of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Historian Dr Niamh Puirséil talks us through the difficult aftermath of the 1913 Lockout and why it contributed to Ireland’s unique political divisions in the 20th century. Finally, Naomi and Tim reflect on the political dynamics of the present day and why a combination of nationalism and left-wing politics is shaking up the status quo once again.
We’ll be posting extra content including the full interview with Dr Niamh Puirséil over at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport
Some images discussed in this episode:
The statue of Jim Larkin at the GPO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:James_Larkin_and_GPO_Easter_2016.jpg
Photograph of Jim Larkin giving a speech: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:James_Larkin_O%27Connell_Street.jpg
‘Murphy must go’: https://img2.thejournal.ie/inline/1043721/original/?width=630&version=1043721
Baton charge against union rally in 1913: https://dublintenementexperience.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/the-baton-charge-batons-from-the-national-museum/
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