Martin Corry (politician) facts for kids

Martin John Corry (1889–1979) was an Irish farmer and a long-serving member of the Irish parliament, known as a Teachta Dála (TD). He was part of the Fianna Fáil political party.

Corry represented different areas in County Cork, where his farm was located near Glounthaune, east of Cork city. He was one of the first members of Fianna Fáil when the party was founded in 1926. He was first elected as a TD in the June 1927 general election. He was re-elected in every election until he decided not to run in the 1969 general election.

He was very involved in farming issues. In the 1950s, he was the Chairman of the Beet Growers' Association. In 1966, when Seán Lemass stepped down as the leader of Fianna Fáil and as Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister), Corry was among the TDs from the Munster region who suggested Jack Lynch as a good choice for the party's new leader.

Early Life and Family Background

Martin Corry was born on 12 December 1889 in Cork city. His father, also named Martin Corry, was a sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and was originally from County Clare. His mother was Julia Mary Walsh, from Cork.

In 1901, his family lived on Blackrock Road in Cork. By 1911, his father had retired from the RIC and started farming. The family then moved to a place called Monaparson, near Mourne Abbey, in County Cork.

Involvement in Irish Independence

Martin Corry was a member of the Mourneabbey Company of the Irish Volunteers. He also served as a captain in the 4th battalion of the Cork No. 1 Brigade of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921).

After the War of Independence, Ireland experienced the Irish Civil War (1922–1923). Corry supported the side that was against the Anglo-Irish Treaty. He was held in Newbridge internment camp from December 1922 to January 1924.

His Career in Dáil Éireann

During his more than 40 years as a TD in Dáil Éireann (the Irish parliament), Martin Corry mostly focused on issues that affected the people in his local area. For example, in 1953, he tried to get a Faber-Castell factory, which was planned for Fermoy, moved further south into his constituency. This caused some disagreement with other members of his party.

Corry was a strong supporter of Irish republicanism. He was very much against the Partition (the division of Ireland into two parts) and often spoke strongly about his views in the Dáil.

In 1938, during a discussion about the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement, which gave control of the Treaty Ports back to Ireland, Corry expressed his disappointment that Northern Ireland was not included.

In 1942, during World War II, there was a debate about exporting food to Great Britain. Corry made some strong comments about food shortages there, saying, "They have no more rabbits to get, and now they are on the crows." He also added, "I would not like to see too many crows going out to feed them. I think the crows are too good for them." These comments led to another TD, Alfie Byrne, demanding an apology, which caused a stir in the Dáil.

According to Dan Keating, Corry was part of a group of TDs who convinced Taoiseach Éamon de Valera to show clemency (mercy) in 1940. This was for Tomás Óg Mac Curtain, an IRA member and the son of the 1920 Lord Mayor of Cork, who had been sentenced to death.

In 1948 and again in 1950, Corry suggested a new law to allow pubs in rural areas to open more freely on Sundays. He argued that the current laws were not being followed anyway. However, his proposal was withdrawn after ministers promised a new government bill, which did not happen, and because of criticism from Catholic leaders.

In the 1957 general election, Corry achieved something quite rare: he was elected on the very first count without needing any extra votes from other candidates.

Role as a County Councillor

Besides being a TD, Martin Corry was also a member of Cork County Council from 1924 until after 1970. He represented the Cobh electoral area. He often disagreed with Philip Monahan, who was the first county manager. Corry believed that the manager, who was appointed and not elected, had too much power over the elected Council. He felt this was undemocratic.

Corry served as the Chairman of the Council (a role now called Mayor) for four years in the 1960s. In 1968, while in this role, he officially opened Cork County Hall. At that time, it was the tallest building in the Republic of Ireland.

Later Years

Martin Corry did not run in the June 1969 general election. In November 1969, he was appointed as a director of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta, which was the national sugar company and a state-owned body at the time.

On 26 June 1920, Corry married Margaret Fenton, who was a member of Cumann na mBan, an Irish women's republican organization. They had two sons and one daughter. Martin Corry passed away on 14 February 1979 in Cork.