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The Irish Influence: Building the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization: 2023

The Irish Influence: Building the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization: 2023

For most of World War II the two most important international organisations in the world were headed by Irish citizens: Seán Lester and Edward Phelan. The Irish Influence traces the careers and legacies of these two contrasting diplomats who played a significant role in the development of international relations and multilateralism in the twentieth century. Seán Lester was an important actor in the League of Nations, rising to become Secretary-General. He led the organisation in its most difficult years approaching and during World War II. Edward Phelan joined the International Labour Organization as ‘the first international civil servant’ and became Director-General. Lester was a northern Protestant and one-time member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Phelan was a southern Catholic and Irish Parliamentary Party supporter. Both were committed citizens of Ireland and international peace-builders. Their legacy is testimony to the Irish influence in the politics of international institutions.

Gerry Finnegan

  • Beyond the Pale Books
  • 9781914318221
  • 272 pages
  • Paperback
  • United Kingdom
  • Biography: historical, political & military