Giving Peace a Chance: The work of the Peace with Ireland Council

The influence of peace movements in drawing hostilities to an end in Ireland is a neglected dynamic of the War of Independence. Histories of conflict can too easily obscure the arbiters of armistice. Broad understanding of anti-war and pacifist dynamics tends to focus on the women’s movement and the efforts of the Labour Party. But peace came in many forms. Following its foundation in the House of Commons in October 1920, the work of the Peace with Ireland Council provided a platform for vocalising opposition to government strategies of misinformation about conflict in Ireland and demanding an end to the escalating war of reprisals. Their work followed a blueprint for such campaigns. This included the application of pressure in Westminster; the publication and distribution of anti-war pamphlets authored by eminent public intellectuals; and the organisation of hundreds of public events and protests demanding an end to hostilities. The Peace with Ireland Council became a crucial networking instrument that helped to alter perceptions of how England understood conflict in Ireland.

Dr. Angus Mitchell's illustrated lecture will provide insights into the personal and political struggles faced by those involved in the Peace with Ireland Council notably Erskine Childers, Alice Stopford Green, and the many others who struggled to reconcile their loyalty to Britain, Ireland and the broader cause of humanity.

Introduction by Professor Daire Keogh, President of DCU

Responders: Phil Wheatley, former Director-General of the Prison Service of England and Wales and Dr. Martin Mansergh, former Minister and key adviser on the peace process to successive Taoisigh

We look forward to having you with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to one of us at rachna.shanbog2@mail.dcu.ie or philip.mcdonagh@dcu.ie