Overview
Patrick Hillery was not only a formidable politician, but also one of the most creative public figures in recent Irish history. Although he never served as Taoiseach, he was undoubtedly more influential than several of those who did during the second half of the twentieth century. Hillery's influence on significant turning points in contemporary Irish history, including the arms crisis in 1970 and Ireland's accession to the European Community, is considered in the light of his own concerns and preoccupations. Hillery's recollections of the most controversial events of his career, notably the Papal visit in 1979 and attempts by leading politicians to influence the President's decisions in 1982, are analyzed for the first time.
Synopsis
Patrick Hillery was not only a formidable politician, but also one of the most creative public figures in recent Irish history. Although he never served as Taoiseach, he was undoubtedly more influential than several of those who did during the second half of the twentieth century. Hillery's influence on significant turning points in contemporary Irish history, including the arms crisis in 1970 and Ireland's accession to the European Community, is considered in the light of his own concerns and preoccupations. Hillery's recollections of the most controversial events of his career, notably the Papal visit in 1979 and attempts by leading politicians to influence the President's decisions in 1982, are analyzed for the first time.