A New Constitution (1937)

The major legal change in Ireland during this period was the drafting of a new Constitution in 1937. Eamon de Valera saw the Constitution as consolidating an independent approach to self-government and as a way of removing many of the remaining unpopular links with Britain. The name of the Irish Free State was changed to Ireland, or Éire in the Irish language. This Constitution was adopted by the Irish people in a referendum on 1 July 1937 with 685,000 in favour and 527,000 against. This was the first constitution ever adopted by popular vote. In 1938 Douglas Hyde became the first Irish President. Later, in 1948, the Government led by the Taoiseach John A. Costello repealed the External Relations Act, formally making Ireland a Republic.