W. T. Cosgrave

Cosgrave's government faced the anti-Treaty IRA in the Irish Civil War from June 1922 to May 1923. He authorized executions of anti-Treaty prisoners, including Rory O'Connor, to suppress the rebellion. The war ended with the defeat of the anti-Treaty forces, but left deep divisions.

Cosgrave became the first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State in December 1922, following the ratification of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. He led the pro-Treaty faction during the Irish Civil War, overseeing the establishment of the new state's institutions.

Cosgrave's government established the Garda S

Cosgrave's Cumann na nGaedheal party was defeated in the 1932 Irish general election by Fianna F