Daring Diplomacy: Clinton's Secret Search for Peace in Ireland

by Conor O'Clery

Based on interviews with President Clinton and the other principals involved, a journalist offers an insider's view of America's secret negotiations with the IRA about peace in Northern Ireland, over the objections of Britain. 20,000 first printing. Tour. IP.

Genres: Ireland

271 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1997

Reviews

[Gordon Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of details but in my humble opinion I think it's one of the most wonderful stories of the 20th century and outside of the British Isles it's rarely known. But I think the impact is profound and far-reaching.

The book is about President Clinton's role as a mediator between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. For nearly 40 years, something known as the "Troubles" was a constant source of conflict but out of conflict and people and children dying needlessly, both sides decided "this has to stop." The beauty of the peace process is not just about what is possible when people work together but also about the genius of the Good Friday Agreement is about true democracy - power-sharing, minority rights, etc. If you are interested in foreign policy, peace process, Irish politics, I recommend this book.

[Will Hornbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

O'Clery does a great job of describing each facet of the diplomatic struggles that ultimately brought about the Good Friday Agreement and the end (or at least the great reduction) of the Troubles. Unfortunately, because the book was published two years before Good Friday was signed, it leaves out a ton. The book is hopeful for the first 4/5 as Clinton deftly outmaneuvers the State Department and the UK to get Gerry Adams a visa and get the different sides talking. But then the IRA bombs the cease-fire away, and when the book ends it looks as though all is lost. It felt like reading a history of WWII that ends with the Battle of the Bulge.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL book describing what it took to get Gerry Adams' a visa into the United States and BILL Clinton's help in the matter. . . no matter your political leanings. . . this is a good Irish history book detailing the peace process.