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National Democratic Party (Ireland)

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National Democratic Party
Founded1923
Dissolved1923
IdeologyAgrarianism
Land reform

TheNational Democratic Partywas a minor party in theIrish Free Staterepresenting small farming interests.

TheFarmers' Partywas 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 the1923 general election,[3]Ultimately, it stood only four candidates:[1]Joseph O'Mahony inCork West,Joseph Delaney andPatrick BeltoninLaois–Offaly,and Seán O'Farrell inLongford–Westmeath.[4]They took only 4,966 votes between them, and none were elected.[1]The party disbanded soon after the election.[2]

References

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  1. ^abcJohn Coakley, "Minor Parties in Irish Political Life, 1922-1989",The Economic and Social Review,vol.21, no.3, pp.269-297
  2. ^abPeter 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