Description

From his early days as a medical doctor in County Clare to the highest political offices at home and abroad, Dr. Patrick Hillery was a calm, stabilizing force throughout a turbulent era in modern Irish politics. In Patrick Hillery: The Official Biography, author John Walsh utilizes exclusive access to Hillery’s private papers, state archives, and family interviews to craft an authoritative portrait of a deeply principled leader.

The biography covers Hillery’s crucial career milestones, including his tenure as Minister for External Affairs, where he navigated the outbreak of the Northern Ireland Troubles and successfully negotiated Ireland’s historic entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. It also provides an intimate look at his two terms as President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann) from 1976 to 1990, detailing how he defended the integrity of the Constitution during times of acute political instability.

An essential read for:

• Political Enthusiasts: Gain deep insights into Fianna Fáil history, Irish foreign policy, and European diplomacy.

• Modern Irish Historians: Essential source text for understanding the political evolution of late 20th-century Ireland.

• Biographical Literature Lovers: A beautifully written, comprehensive tribute to a lifetime of quiet public service.