National Democratic Party (Ireland)

For similarly named groups, see National Democratic Party.
National Democratic Party
Founded 1923
Dissolved 1923
Ideology Agrarianism, Land reform

The National Democratic Party was a minor party in the Irish Free State representing small farming interests.

The Farmers' Party was a significant force in early 1920s politics in Ireland, but it was associated with middle-class farmers with larger holdings.[1] Small-scale farmers who felt that the Farmers' Party did not represent them founded the National Democratic Party early in 1923, aiming to also attract support from poor labourers and other individuals in rural areas.[2]

The party announced that it would stand fifteen candidates at the Irish general election, 1923,[3] Ultimately, it stood only four candidates:[1] Joseph O'Mahony in Cork West, Joseph Delaney and Patrick Belton in Leix–Offaly, and Seán O'Farrell in Longford–Westmeath.[4] They took only 4,966 votes between them, and none were elected.[1] The party disbanded soon after the election.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 John Coakley, "Minor Parties in Irish Political Life, 1922-1989", The Economic and Social Review, vol.21, no.3, pp.269-297
  2. 1 2 Peter Barberis et al, Encyclopedia of British and Irish Political Organizations, p.234
  3. ↑ "Latest list of candidates", Irish Times, 14 August 1923
  4. ↑ "General election - full list of nominations", Irish Times, 20 August 1923
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