The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership

by Iain Dale

Ireland, under both the Irish Free State and after full independence, has now had just over 100 years of autonomous national political leadership.

This book, based on Iain Dale's blockbuster podcast, tells the story of Irish politics over the past century by examining the lives and actions of each Irish Taoiseach, from W.T. Cosgrave to Micheál Martin. 15 leading Irish historians, journalists and politicians write essays on each of these figures, showing in the process how Ireland developed from a poor ex-colony to a successful, modern country at the heart of the European Union. In the process, the contributors examine the importance of topics such as the power of the Roman Catholic Church, changing social mores, Ireland's relationship with the UK, and its economic development.

This is a must read for anyone interested in Irish politics at a time of potential far-reaching change for the republic.

Genres: Politics, Irish Literature

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Patricia Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Taoiseach by Iain Dale - 16 of them since the foundation of the state - great read full of history but also of opinion - a well told journey of the irish state

[Tomás Heneghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this book was really interesting, but the chapter on Varadkar was very poorly written, with even basic, easily verifiable facts incorrect. This let the editor down as it suggests he didn’t engage in a standard level of editing, such as fact-checking and grammar checking.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived through 14 of the 16 Taoisigh portrayed, I realised how little I knew about most of them. First, they're human! Most - all except one or two - seemed primarily dedicated to improving Ireland. However, one was addicted to power and self-enrichment and self-aggrandisement; strangely, we knew this but passively tolerated it until he was finally exposed for the megalomaniac that he was.
This book provides helpful portraits of men - all men! - who moulded Ireland into what it is today. For those, like me, who are not overly interested in history tomes, I recommend this book. As an inherent bonus, it's also a history of Ireland from the founding of our state in the 1900s...

[B Mur · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative read. Essays written by subject-matter experts on each of the 16 Taoisigh of Ireland.

It if not worthy hoe fat we have come from the likes of Sean A Costello and Jack Lynch, who never sought the office of Taoiseach to Martin, who spent decades waiting, and Harris who took it at a running jump in his mid-30s.

The most important traits required in being a successful Taoiseach seem to me to be a calm stolidity and an ability to work with those with different points of view.

All of the Taoisigh brought something different to the role, and all have made an appreciable contribution to our nation.

[Jonas Hirschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While most of the books I’ve read on Irish history tend to end around 1922, this one begins there.

It takes an engaging and accessible approach by exploring Irish history through the biographies of individual people. Alongside political events, it includes a great deal of social, economic, and cultural history.

This broad perspective goes beyond the otherwise very conventional focus on the “great men” of history - especially striking given that all Taoisigh were men - and offers a much richer and more nuanced understanding of modern Ireland.

[Darragh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! The articles are all well written and give a great account of each Taoiseach’s time in office. Would definitely recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in Irish politics or history.

[Mairead Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with informative extracts on the past Taoiseachs. There is enough detail without there being too much so as to make the book inaccessible.

[Rob Keenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile for odd little nuggets but there was some awful hagiography in here. Also lopsided at points. More pages for Brian Cowen than there were for the Bert. 2.5

[Maura Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book with a chapter on each Taoiseach written by a different author. Really enjoyed it.