Thirteenth Dáil - (18 February 1948-7 May 1951)

The Fifth Government of Ireland - or more commonly the First Inter-Party Government - is the name given to the government which lead Ireland from 1948 to 1951. The government was made up of a number of political parties including Fine Gael, Labour, Clann na Poblachta and Clann na Talmhan. It was the first change of government since 1932. The parties had many different aims and viewpoints, but a united hatred of Fianna Fáil overcame all difficulties in forming a government. The Cabinet was made up of representatives of all parties and ministers were given a great degree of independence. Some key events during the lifetime of the government include the declaration of the Republic of Ireland in 1949 and the crisis surrounding the 'Mother & Child Scheme' in 1951.

Fifth Government of Ireland - (18 February 1948-13 June 1951)

• John A. Costello, FG - An Taoiseach
• William Norton, LAB - An Tánaiste and Minister for Social Welfare
• Seán MacBride, CnaP - Minister for External Affairs
• Patrick McGilligan, FG - Minister for Finance
• Daniel Morrissey, FG - Minister for Industry & Commerce (to: 7.3.1951)
  • Minister for Justice (from: 7.3.1951)
• Timothy J. Murphy, FG - Minister for Local Government (died : 29.4.49)
• Noel Browne, CnaP - Minister for Health (11.4.1951: resigned)
• James Dillon,FG - Minister for Agriculture
• Richard Mulcahy, FG - Minister for Education
• Seán MacEoin, FG - Minister for Justice (to: 7.3.1951)
  • Minister for Defence (from: 7.3.1951)
• Thomas F. O'Higgins, FG - Minister for Defence (to: 7.3.1951)
  • Minister for Industry & Commerce (from: 7.3.1951)
• James Everett, FG - Minister for Posts & Telegraphs
• James Blowick, FG - Minister for Lands
• Michael Keyes, FG - Minister for Local Government (from: 11.5.1949)