Éamon de Valera was described as a prominent Irish statesman. His political career began in 1917, lasted until 1973 and saw many changes. He was instrumental in founding Fianna Fáil in 1926, when there was a split from the more radical Sinn Fein who wanted war. Independence meant austerity measures which weren’t popular with everyone. Said to be in the interests of peace and prosperity, he made friends with the British. This resulted in Anglo-Irish investments which came to fruition for the British following the financial crash of 2007.