DE VALERA, Eamon. A signed original photograph of President Eamon De Valera seated at his desk (1932), with pen in hand. Signed in ink by De Valera (good clear signature). 30 x 23cm. Mounted on...

DE VALERA, Eamon. A signed original photograph of President Eamon De Valera seated at his desk (1932), with pen in hand. Signed in ink by De Valera (good clear signature). 30 x 23cm. Mounted on thick card. In the 1932 general election Fianna Fáil secured 72 seats and became the largest party in the Dáil, although without a majority. De Valera appealed to all the vested interests and was rewarded when Fianna Fáil won an extra Dáil seat in Mayo in the 1932 election. Some Fianna Fáil members arrived at the first sitting of the new Dáil carrying arms, amid fears that Cumann na nGaedheal would not voluntarily surrender power. However, the transition was peaceful. De Valera was appointed President of the Executive Council by Governor-General James McNeill on 7 March. He at once initiated steps to fulfil his election promises to abolish the oath and withhold land annuities owed to Britain for loans provided under the Irish Land Acts and agreed as part of the 1921 Treaty. This launched the Anglo-Irish Trade War when Britain in retaliation imposed economic sanctions against Irish exports. In fine condition. Rare.

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