FROM THE ARCHIVES:Under the headline "The Old Order Changeth" a Dáil sketch writer described the scene as Fianna Fáil took power for the first time in 1932 ,with the help of Labour and Independents, by 81 votes to 68. –
JOE JOYCE
SCENES WITHOUT precedent in the history of Dáil Éireann marked the transfer of power from the Cumann na nGaedheal Government, which has guided the destinies of the State for ten critical years, to the party which defeated them at the polls. Outside the gates of Leinster House, Kildare street was filled with exuberant crowds, cheering, boohing and singing.
Inside the Chamber the atmosphere was one of excitement, relieved at intervals by cheering from the triumphant deputies on the Fianna Fáil benches – cheering in which the densely – packed crowds in the gallery joined without restraint. Through it all the members of the defeated Government sat stolid and impassive.
Only once was there any sign of emotion on their part, and that was when Mr. Cosgrave and some of his Ministers beside him smiled – a weary and ironic smile it seemed – at the frantic cheering which greeted the entry of the new President into his seat at the end of the front Government bench on his return from his interview with the Governor-General.
Most of the deputies were early in arriving at the House, but, even so, the crowds were before them, and they had to run the gauntlet of the excited throng. Mr. Seán T. O’Kelly and some of the other leaders posed on the steps of the House for cinema photographers, but Mr. de Valera hurried past and disappeared into the House.
The most important motion of the day was entrusted to Mr. Michael Kilroy, a deputy from South Mayo, who proposed the election of Mr. de Valera as President in a very brief speech. Equally brief were the remarks of his seconder, Mr Oscar Traynor, while Mr. O’Hanlon followed with a succinct explanation of the reasons why, although he expected that he would be in disagreement with more than fifty per cent of Mr. de Valera’s policy, he intended to vote for his election.
Then came the vote, a demand by Mr. Blythe for a division, another excursion into the lobbies, and a return by Mr. Boland to the Clerk’s table with his division sheet.
The Government was out!
Amid the frantic cheers of his supporters in the gallery Mr. de Valera moved the adjournment of the House at half past four, and went to receive the imprimatur of the Governor-General to his appointment, Mr. McNeill having come from Government Buildings to the House to meet him.
The old order had changed and given place to the new when the House re-assembled. There were Mr. Cosgrave and his lieutenants sitting in the outer darkness of the Opposition benches, while on the other side, enthroned in the seats of the mighty sat the erstwhile Opposition.
The Government was in!
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