1886 - First Home Rule Bill

Gladstone introduced his first Home Rule Bill to the House of Commons, marking a watershed moment in Anglo-Irish relations. The bill proposed creating an Irish parliament while maintaining the overall unity of the United Kingdom. This legislative initiative generated intense debate and opposition.

The bill's introduction demonstrated both the growing strength of Irish nationalism and the deep divisions it created in British politics. Though ultimately defeated, the bill established Home Rule as a central issue in British and Irish politics for the next three decades.

1923 - Anti-Treaty Resistance

The anti-Treaty IRA Executive met to coordinate continuing resistance to the Free State government. The meeting, held in secret, revealed growing divisions within the republican movement about the futility of continued armed struggle. These discussions would influence the eventual winding down of the Civil War.

1954 - Television Committee

The government established a commission to examine the possibility of introducing television services to Ireland. This initiative marked the beginning of serious planning for Irish television broadcasting. The commission's work would lead to the eventual establishment of Telefís Éireann.