. Byrne, Una.. Telephoned to say that Michael O’Riordan was standing for election in Dublin South Central. She felt nuns in area should vote, even for Fine Gael. (Communists)

Article taken from The Catholic Standard titled ‘You can’t vote for Red O’Riordan.’

Typed note. Possibility De Valera will retire from public life and Lemass will probably succeed. His success in holding the party together will depend on the action the splinter groups within the National Executive take. Hard to know which way Charles Houghey [sic] [Haughey], Dr. Ryan, Noel Lemass, Dan Breen will go as each is there to foster their own interest. Donal Nevin and Jeffares have replaced Larkin and de Courcy Ireland in the Labour Party. The IHA received a legacy of £300 from Rebecca West. The chance of it going out of existence is gone. In CIE Riordan got 134 votes in election representative to the Management. Its not that the men want him but they feel he is able to push their case for them.

Handwritten statement, marked ‘secret’, dealing with the methodology which should be used by the ‘V’ Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to counter subversives who may attack the doctrine or influence of the Church. In Dublin the chief subversive movements are anti-clerical liberalism. Communism seeks to overthrow the social system by revolution. Six steps for action are outlined. The following are some of the activities which have come to notice since May 1954: The Peoples’ College, Irish Housewives Association, the influence of Michael O’Riordan in his trade-union, Dublin dance-halls and immoral dances, The Unemployed Self-Help Association. The Guild of St. Francis de Sales for journalists, Bamba books, the IRA, information on leading Communists, Irish Workers’ League, National Co-operative Council, Radio-Telefis Eireann, the College of Scientology, the Anti-Nuclear Movement, Desmond Brannigan, Czechs in Dublin motor business, Formation of ICTU. It must be understood that this is the only agency for anti- subversive action and must forage for itself. Six suggested remedies given.

Profile of Michael O’Riordan, 37 Victoria Street, South Circular Road. Works as a bus conductor. Joined the Communist organisation in 1937 and associates with John Nolan and other IWL members. Was Adjutant of the 2nd Batt., IRA was a member of the International Brigade in Spain. Was interned in the Curragh between 1940-1943.

6-7 November 1960 Letter from Fr. James Riordan to +McQuaid seeking an interview to discuss the hall at Newtownmountkennedy, investing money for the new church at Kilcool and establishing the Miraculous Medal Novena at Newtownmountkennedy.