John A. Costello Fine Gael Éamon de Valera Fianna Fáil The 1951 Irish general election to the 14th Dáil was held on Wednesday, 30 May following the dissolution of the 13th Dáil on 7 May by President Seán T. O'Kelly on the request of Taoiseach John A. Costello.

The 1951 general election was caused by a number of crises within the first inter-party government, most notably the Mother and Child Scheme.

While the affair – which saw the resignation of the Minister for Health, Noël Browne – was not entirely to blame for the collapse of the government, it added to the disagreement between the various political parties.

Fianna Fáil's support increased by 61,000 votes; however, the party only gained one additional seat.

However, the party was able to form a minority government with the support of Noël Browne, the sacked Minister for Health, and other Independent deputies.