A detailed, accurate, objective and lively account of the modern IRA and Sinn Féin movements, from the first stirrings of the contemporary armed struggle through to the Good Friday Agreement and after.

"A brilliant analysis of how Sinn Féin/IRA have moved from the negative theology of the Ó Brádaigh days to the positive political activism of the Adams-McGuinness leadership."—Irish Independent

"Excellent. . . . The first book to chart, in detail, the evolution of the Republican 'peace strategy'."—Fortnight (Belfast)

"From a well informed, fair-minded observer, a courageous book, with much news to tell. Brendan O'Brien knows just about everything about the Provisional IRA. . . . A crisp and uncensorious account."—Mail on Sunday

"Well written and scrupulous, informative and illuminating. . . . Provides the clearest recent analysis of Republican thinking at all levels."—Irish Post

Description

The book examines Republican policies and activities, and provides a fascinating account of the long, arduous road from arms to politics. It outlines the role of all major players—Adams, McGuinness, Ó Brádaigh, Thatcher, Major, Kennedy, Hume, Haughey, Blair, Clinton. It also includes interviews with a wide range of Republican man and women in their strongholds.

About the Author

Brendan O'Brien is a senior current affairs reporter with RTÉ television and has won many awards for investigative journalism, most recently European Journalist of the Year 1998. This book draws on twenty years' experience of reporting on the Northern Ireland situation and on extensive contacts within various Republican movements.

Series: Irish Studies

5.25 x 8.5, 446 pages, 50 black and white illustrations, 7 maps

August 1995