Frank Aiken

Frank Aiken (February 13, 1898 - May 18, 1983) was a senior Irish politician. He was a founding-member of Fianna Fáil and was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923 and at each subsequent election until 1973. Aiken served as Minister for Defence (1932-1939), Minister for Co-Ordination of Defensive Measures (1943-1945), Minister for Finance (1945-1948) and Minister for External Affairs (1951-1954 & 1957-1969). He also served as Minister for Finance and Minister for Lands & Fisheries. Aiken served as Tánaiste of Ireland from 1965 until 1969.

Clash with Ernest Blythe

Shortly before his death, former Cumann na nGaedhael minister Ernest Blythe accused Aiken of publicly rudely snubbing him through his political career. He said that, because of his support for the Treaty and Aiken's opposition, Aiken would pointedly turn his back on him whether they came into contact. Colleagues of Aiken confirmed the story and spoke of their embarrassment about it. They contrasted his continuing bitterness towards Blythe with the cross party friendships of their colleagues Sean MacEntee (anti-treaty) and Desmond FitzGerald (pro-treaty) who after the divide re-established relationships and ensured their children held no civil war bitterness. Great rivals Eamon de Valera and W.T. Cosgrave, after years of emnity, also became reconciled in the 1960s. However Aiken refused to reconcile with former friends who had taken sides in the Civil War.

Related Topics:
Cumann na nGaedhael - Ernest Blythe - Sean MacEntee - Desmond FitzGerald - W.T. Cosgrave - 1960s

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