The Taoiseach

Its one of those books that you can either read chronologically from front to back cover, or dip in and out of at leisure. It should keep many a dad happily occupied over ChristmasThe Irish Independent

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 Dales 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, Irelands 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.