An Post issued a special stamp to mark the centenary of the birth of Liam Cosgrave who was the Irish prime minister from 1973 to 1977. Designed by Post Studio, the stamp and a commemorative First Day Cover feature the portrait of Liam Cosgrave, which hangs in Leinster House. Framed editions of the stamp were presented to Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and members of the Cosgrave family by An Post CEO David McRedmond at Government Buildings.
Speaking at the event, the Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) paid tribute to the former Taoiseach.
“This is a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to public service. Liam Cosgrave will be remembered as man of great integrity who worked tirelessly to protect and defend the democratic institutions of the state and establish power-sharing in Northern Ireland. This stamp marks his legacy and is a testament to what he did for his country.”
The highlight of Liam Cosgrave’s political career was Ireland's successful entry into the United Nations. In 1965 Cosgrave was the unanimous choice of his colleagues to succeed James Dillon as leader of Fine Gael. He lost the 1969 general election to the incumbent Jack Lynch, but won the 1973 general election and became Taoiseach in a Fine Gael-Labour Party government. Liam Cosgrave’s ingrained devotion to political stability in the 1970s helped break his country’s cycle of violence. He died at the age of 97.
Take a look at other stamps devoted to famous politicians.
