Kevin O'Higgins
| Kevin O'Higgins | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Vice-President of the Executive Council | |
|
In office 6 December 1922 – 10 July 1927 |
|
| Preceded by | Newly created office |
| Succeeded by | Ernest Blythe |
| Minister for Justice | |
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In office 30 August 1922 – 10 July 1927 |
|
| Preceded by | Eamonn Duggan |
| Succeeded by | W. T. Cosgrave |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
7 June 1892 County Laois, Ireland |
| Died | 10 July 1927 (aged 35) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party | Cumann na nGaedheal (1923–27) |
| Other political affiliations |
Sinn Féin (1918–23) |
Kevin Christopher O'Higgins (Irish: Caoimhghín Críostóir Ó hUigín; 7 June 1892 – 10 July 1927) was an Irish politician who served as Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister for Justice. He was part of early nationalist Sinn Féin, before going on to become a prominent member of Cumann na nGaedheal. O'Higgins established the Garda Síochána police force. His brother Thomas and nephews Tom and Michael were also elected TDs.
Along with Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins and Eoin O'Duffy, O'Higgins is an important figure in Irish nationalist historiography, representing a more "conservative revolutionary" position when contrasted with republicanism. After having a role in the Irish War of Independence, he went on to defend the nascent Irish Free State, as part of the pro-Treaty side in the Irish Civil War. During this time he signed the execution orders of seventy-seven political prisoners. He was later assassinated in retaliation by an IRA unit in Booterstown, County Dublin.
Kevin O'Higgins was born in Stradbally, County Laois, one of sixteen children of Dr. Thomas Higgins and Anne Sullivan, daughter of the Nationalist politician Timothy Daniel Sullivan. His aunt was married to the Nationalist MP Tim Healy. He was educated at the Jesuit-run Clongowes Wood College, where he was expelled. O'Higgins was then moved to Knockbeg College, St. Marys Christian Brother School, Portlaoise. With a view to becoming a priest he went to St Patrick's College, Maynooth. There he broke the non-smoking rules, and was removed to Carlow Seminary. He attended University College Dublin.
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