Portraits in Power: John A Costello
John A Costello did not seek the role of taoiseach, but his detachment from the Rising and Civil War made him the compromise choice. He is an often forgotten figure, but he presided over two major episodes in the state’s history, writes Ciara Meehan
John A Costello (1891-1976)
Party: Fine Gael
Constituency: Dublin County, Dublin Townships, Dublin South-East
In office: February 1948-June 1951, June 1954-March 1957
As taoiseach, John A Costello presided over two significant moments in the development of independent Ireland: the declaration of the republic and the collapse of the mother and child scheme. These events, together with his outstanding legal career, were at the forefront of recollections and tributes following his death in 1976.
