In the 1920s and 1930s Edward Cahill SJ was a well known name in many sections of Irish society and his writings were popular and influential. These years saw the emergence and consolidation of the Irish state in the face of internal opposition and uncertainty.Among a considerable portion of the population there was a desire that the new state move away from the secular/liberal model that operated under British rule and establish a state distinguished by Christian values and Catholic social principles.

Edward Cahill was a leading proponent of such views. He was the founder of the influential grouping, An Ríoghact, which supported his ideas and his writings on the development of the new Ireland into a Christian State. This was a cause which had considerable support and Fr. Cahill felt particularly that his friend Eamon de Valera held similar ideas. His major work The Framework of a Christian State was an important contribution to literature on the topic. With de Valera in government and plans for a new Constitution, it was natural for de Valera to ask Fr Cahill for propsals regarding the Constitution.

This led to a Jesuit committee being formed and a draft document being bought to de Valera by Cahill. Thomas J Morrissey SJ's fascinating account throws light not only on Cahill and An Ríoghnacht, but on many of the ideas and ideals which the development of Ireland, Cahill's friendship with and influence on de Valera is particularly important.