John A Costello
John A Costello was an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach in the 1940s and 1950s. He was the attorney-general during the 1948 government formation talks, stepping into the role of Taoiseach after Richard Mulcahy conceded the position. Costello's leadership was characterized by efforts to create a coalition government that marked a significant shift in Irish politics away from the dominance of Fianna Fáil.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
John A Costello is noted for needing to be dragged into his role as prime minister.
‘We don’t learn about Ireland in English schools, which is really weird’ – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-01-11
John A Costello is described as a kind and devout Catholic who was reluctant to take on the taoiseach’s job.
Ireland’s taoisigh, from de Valera to Micheál Martin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-15
John A Costello is mentioned as a former taoiseach who represented Winston Churchill in a libel case.
Catherine Connolly is going to win. Heather Humphreys needs to be a better loser – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-21
David McCullagh has also written about John A Costello, another former taoiseach.
‘There’s plenty of people in the long grass hoping I’ll fall flat on my face’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-19
John A Costello served as taoiseach from 1948 to 1951 and from 1954 to 1957.
Edwardian home once owned by former taoiseach at Herbert Park for €4m – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-16
John A Costello expressed anxiety about a potential clash between the president and the Government.
What happens if a president is elected on a mandate to oppose the Government? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-19
John A Costello was a Fine Gael politician who cross-examined Kavanagh during a libel case.
Frank McNally on how a book inscription came back to haunt Patrick Kavanagh – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-27
John A Costello praised many aspects of the Bill during Dáil debates.
Is it time to acknowledge the legislative achievements of Charles Haughey? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-06
John A Costello was the Taoiseach of Ireland who emphasized the importance of Ireland's impact on the world during his visit to the United States in 1956.
Nobody should be mocked or lampooned for decrying the consequences of the new arms race – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-03-14
John A Costello became taoiseach after Richard Mulcahy stepped aside.
Mulcahy’s push for alternative to Fianna Fáil in 1948 government talks ‘enhanced democracy’, UCD event told – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-12
