Fine Gael: Party at the Crossroads, New Island, 2009.
‘Rafter has a deep grasp of recent Irish politics, and compresses the information in a highly readable manner.’ The Irish Times ‘It is in providing this overview of the changes within Fine Gael that the book excels. It opts for studious analysis rather than stunning revelation, but it’s no less worthy for that.’ Irish Examiner ‘A timely and clearly written book that gives a good insight into the characters that make up what is now the biggest party in the country.’ Former Taoiseach John Bruton, Irish Independent Buy online at amazon.co.uk
“One of the great strengths of Rafter’s fascinating book is its deployment of vivid new interview material” The Irish Times “The Shinners may have been more forthcoming with Rafter than is their wont” The Sunday Times “A conscientious attempt to, for the first time, provide a historical narrative and examination of the roots and growth of Sinn Fein in the Irish body politic, should be made compulsory reading for all Sinn Fein members” Magill magazine
“A book of some importance. I would commend it to anyone with an interest in Irish politics over the past 20 years and particularly to anyone interested in the origin and development of the peace process in Northern Ireland” Noel Dorr, The Irish Times
“Very impressive, an academic and a historical work. I thought it was fascinating” Emily O’Reilly, RTE Radio One
“A well-written biography of one of the most enigmatic figures in Irish life” The Irish Independent
This book tells the story of Clann na Poblachta from its foundation in 1946 to its involvement in government and the years of decline until the party was eventually dissolved in 1965.
”Accurate and fair minded, and leaves few questions unanswered” The Irish Independent
Neil Blaney will always be assoicated with the 1970 arms crisis in the Irish Republic which led to his dismissal from government along with Charles Haughey. This book is the story of Blaney’s political career, his rise to power and influence in Fianna Fail and his eventual dismissal from the party that “was his whole existence”.
”A solid and well-researched biography” The Irish Times
