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Destined to follow his father, John Dillon, into politics, James Dillon spent his early years as an Independent standing to one side of the divisions wrought by the Civil War, and critical of the mould in which they had cast political debate and progress. Having established the Centre Party with other independent TDs, he became a founding member of Fine Gael when his party, Cumann na nGaedheal, and Eioin O'Duffy's National Guard combined in the face of Fianna Fail's new dominance during the turbulent years of the 1930s.
Serving as Minister for Agriculture in the Inter-Party governments, Dillon revitalised the industry after the deprivation of the Economic War.
He adopted a singular stance on Irish neutrality during the war years, calling on the country to support the Allies against the Nazis' threat to democracy. Thoroughly and often vindictively criticised for his views, he continued to be outspoken, ultimately resigning from Fine Gael on the issue. Reconciled with the party in later years, he became leader of Fine Gael in 1959 and leader of the opposition during the Lemass years.
Maurice Manning's study portrays a man whose beliefs focused always on the fundamental issues of politics: the freedom of the individual and the democratic authority of parliament.
