Sean Lemass

To date this is the most thorough and in-depth analysis of Seán Lemass. John Horgan does an excellent job, as he has done in other books, in analysing Lemass’ life before he entered politics, then his early contribution to Fianna Fáil and subsequently as a Minister from 1932 when he built up the Department of Industry and Commerce and subsequently the Department of Supplies. His relationship with other party figures, and especially de Valera, is also explored in detail. There is also good detail regarding Lemass’ decision to retire and the resulting leadership contest in Fianna Fáil which would result in long-standing divisions within the party. Altogether the book provides a rigorous analysis of Lemass’ contribution to Irish politics. Horgan is a very good biographer, one must hope he will choose to write more. ( )