The Republic of Ireland was declared an independent state 75 years ago today.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was a “remarkable achievement” and the first time an Irish Republic had been recognised internationally.

The declaration was made by former Fine Gael Taoiseach John Costello on Easter Monday in 1949, April 18th.

In a statement released today, Mr Varadkar said it was an important milestone in our history.

“It changed our relationship with Britain, resolved a number of constitutional issues, some significant, some symbolic, and enabled us to engage with the world in a different way,” he said.

Former Taoiseach John Costello (centre) who declared Ireland a Republic on Easter Monday 75-years ago. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

The outgoing Taoiseach said the chosen date was symbolic.

“The Inter-Party Government was making a powerful connection with the 1916 Rising and the revolutionary struggle it inspired,” he said.

 “The Republic of Ireland Act was supported by every party in the Dáil, and it passed without difficulty.  

“75 years on, it is still a remarkable achievement and one that belongs to all of us.”

Peace

Mr Varadkar said it paved the way for Ireland to join the EU, the United Nations and made us a nation that strived for peace at all times.

“Since then, we have worked to fulfil our destiny as a free, independent country, playing our part on the world stage, promoting democracy and freedom and defending human rights,” he said.

 “Today this means speaking up for Ukraine in its fight for freedom against unprovoked aggression and speaking out against the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.  

 “As a Republic, we joined the United Nations in 1955, and our proud history of involvement in UN and EU peacekeeping missions around the world is a testament to our global outlook and vision.”

The Taoiseach said the impact of a Republic being declared is most apparent in our relationship with the UK.

Leo Varadkar meets UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

“The relationship evolved and grew stronger,” he said.

“Today, despite the tensions and challenges, the British-Irish relationship is once again close and meaningful.

“Nonetheless, our national identity is outward looking, our destiny as a country is no longer dependent on our nearest neighbour.

“Perhaps that is the greatest legacy of the change that happened 75 years ago.”

Symbols

Mr Varadkar said symbols are important.

“For some, the occasion of Ireland becoming a Republic in 1949 was a symbolic rather than a real change, for others it was the culmination of a lifelong dream,” he said.

“Both are legitimate interpretations.

 “Our history has shown that symbols matter, dreams matter.”

Simon Harris will replace Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach when the Dáil returns from Easter break on April 9th.

Main image: Irish troops parade in O'Connell Street celebrating the birth of the Irish Republic on Easter Monday, 1949. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo