Free Ireland (and other texts)

Abstract

This paper seeks to illuminate essential aspects in Plácido Castro’s thinking by looking at three of his key texts. The first piece deals with Ireland, the mirror of nations to which galeguistas looked at. Ireland’s integration in the Commonwealth is regarded positively. Castro interpreted that integration secured the liberties of the Irish and, in turn, provided them with privileged access to the commercial and security structures of the Empire. By contrast, when emotional issues are discussed (for instance, the requirement for Irish MPs to swear allegiance to the British Crown) the force of nationalist claims gains salience. The second text identifies Scotland and Wales, in addition to Ireland, as Galicia’s sister nations. The preservation of Celtic identity, another recurrent subject for galeguismo, is attributed to the uneducated people, the true guarantors of national essences. Finally, the third article gives account of Castro’s performance at the 9th European Nationalities Conference (Berne, 1933) on behalf of Partido Galeguista – a landmark moment in the international recognition of Galicia.