Events in the year 1973 in Ireland. Incumbents President: Éamon de Valera (until 24 June 1973) Erskine H. Childers (from 25 June 1973) Taoiseach: Jack Lynch (FF) (until 14 March 1973) Liam Cosgrave (FG) (from 14 March 1973) Tánaiste: Erskine H. Childers (FF) (until 14 March 1973) Brendan Corish (Lab) (from 14 March 1973) Minister for Finance: George Colley (FF) (until 14 March 1973) Richie Ryan (FG) (from 14 March 1973) Chief Justice: Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh (until 22 September 1973) William FitzGerald (from 25 September 1973) Dáil: 19th (until 5 February 1973) 20th (from 14 March 1973) Seanad: 12th (until 30 March 1973) 13th (from 1 June 1973) Events 1 January – Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC) along with Britain and Denmark. 5 January – The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland was signed into law, removing the "special position" of the Roman Catholic Church and recognition of certain other named religions. 6 January – Patrick Hillery was appointed Social Affairs Commissioner of the EEC. 28 February – The National Coalition of the Fine Gael party and Labour Party won the general election, ending 16 years of Fianna Fáil party government. 8 March Northern Ireland sovereignty referendum (the "Border Poll"): 98.9 percent of voters wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. Turnout was 58.7 percent overall, but fewer than one percent among Catholics. Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombs exploded in Whitehall and the Old Bailey in London. 14 March – The new Taoiseach (prime minister), Liam Cosgrave, received his seal of office from President Éamon de Valera at the President's residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. 25 March – The first edition of the Sunday World newspaper went on sale. 2 April – The Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act (Northern Ireland) 1922 was replaced by the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act abolishing the death penalty for murder in Northern Ireland and establishing the Diplock courts. 11 April – The funeral took place of the former Archbishop of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid. 16 April – IRA chief Seán Mac Stíofáin was freed from jail. 28 April – Six men, including Joe Cahill, were arrested by the Irish Naval Service off County Waterford on board a coaster carrying five tons of weapons destined for the IRA. 5 May – Fianna Fáil politician Erskine Childers began a 28-day presidential campaign tour of the country. 25 May – Islanders off