E rnest B lythe as Minister for Finance in the I rish F ree S tate, 1923–32

This article explores E rnest B lythe's tenure as minister for finance of the I rish F ree S tate, 1923–32. Using a range of sources, but particularly his papers in U niversity C ollege D ublin D epartment of A rchives, this work aims to redress the academic neglect of one of the F ree S tate's most infamous characters. In a broader sense, this study offers a commentary on B lythe's party, C umann na n G aedheal, and I rish political culture generally. Throughout the text, attention is paid to the existing historiography of the period, and, where deemed necessary, some critiques are made.