Drennan, John.

Standing by the Republic. 50 Dail debates that shaped the Republic.

Dublin, Gill & Macmillan, 2012. 24 cm. VIII, 292 pages. Original Hardcover with dustjacket. Excellent condition with only minor signs of external wear.

Dail Eireann is the crucible where great debates shape the future of the state and tell us where we are now and where we are going. It serves as the focus of public debate and public concern. In this book John Drennan recalls fifty of the most dramatic and important such debates since 1948. Although the book covers a time period going back as far as World War II, most of the key moments are from after 1960 such as the arrival of Lemass, the introduction of free education by Donagh OMalley and the reform of the censorship laws. The wars in the 70s and 80s about divorce, abortion and the Arms Trial are indicative of the arrival of a darker era of uncertainty all of which was accentuated by the sulphurous elevation of Mr Haughey to office and the subsequent great corruption wars. The 90s had the debate on the Fr Brendan Smyth affair that collapsed the Albert Reynolds government and Dail debates in more recent years have been dominated by the Peace Process and the economic crisis. This book is not simply a narrative of speeches. It captures the culture that shaped these moments of national drama. Each chapter begins with a synopsis of the events preceding the debate, the debate itself and its outcome. John Drennan, in his trademark witty style, captures the story of Irelands evolution in the seven decades since the end of the war.

• Keywords: Catalogue Irish History Four – Irish Postwar History & Administration · Catalogue Irish History Six – General Irish History · Catalogue Irish History Three – From Famine to Free State · Collection Tadhg Ó Murchú (This is a book from his personal reference library) · From the library of Tadgh Ó Murchu · Ireland · Politics and government · Speeches, addresses, etc., Irish
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780717152919
• Inventory Number: 100838AB

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