Timothy Smiddy

Timothy Aloysius Smiddy (1875–1962) was an Irish academic, economist, and diplomat. He is best known as Ireland's first Ambassador/overseas Minister, serving as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States of America for the Irish Free State from 1924 to 1929.

Personal life

Timothy Aloysius "Audo" Smiddy was born on 30 April 1875 in Kilbarry, County Cork, the son of William Smiddy, a wealthy merchant originally from Ballymacoda, East Cork, and Honora Mahony, of the Blarney Mahony family. He was educated at St. Finbarr's College Cork, before attending University College Cork, graduating with a B.A. (1905) and an M.A. (1907). Later he attended universities in Paris, France and Cologne, Germany. At one point, he considered the priesthood and studied at St Sulpice seminary near Paris. However, in October 1900, he married Lillian "Muddie" O'Connell, also from Cork city.

Professor of Economics, UCC

Smiddy was first and foremost an academic and an economist. After his marriage, he studied part-time and completed his BA in 1905 and his MA in 1907. He was one of only six people to have held the post since the formation of the Department of Mental and Moral Science at the College in 1849. In 1952, he was awarded the Honorary Degree of DEconSc by University College, Cork.

Minister Plenipotentiary

Smiddy was initially appointed as the Irish Free State's Representative in Washington in 1922. Following representations by the Free State's government to London and Washington, and in particular to tackle the problem of anti-Treaty propaganda, this role was officially recognised in 1924. From then until 1929, Smiddy served as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to the United States of America for the Irish Free State.

Later life Smiddy also served as the Irish Free State's High Commissioner to London (1929–30). He was a member of the Tariff Commission (1930–33) and then became chairman of the Commission on Agriculture (1939–1945). Thereafter, he served on various Boards, and was head of Combined Purchasing Section at the Department of Local Government and Public Health from 1933 to 1945. He was also Director of the Irish Central Bank (1943-1955).

Throughout the late 1930s and the 1940s, Smiddy advised the de Valera government on economic matters. In particular, he was instrumental in bringing about a universal child allowance.

He died in 1962 and is buried in Deansgrange Cemetery.