John Waters (5) (1955–)

While he gains points for some of the pot-shots he takes at some of the Irish Sacred cows by the time I got to the end I was tired of it. It seemed to be the same complaints with minor different changes. This looks at 50 people who fecked up Ireland and he ran out of ideas part-way through, being forced to Declare war against "The Begrudger" and "Paddy O'Blog". Yes many of those he attacks do deserve a lot of the criticism but it comes across as bitter and vindictive rather than actually show more reasoned and based in fact.

It's not the worst writing on the topic but possibly something to read in instalments. show less

Not a terribly convincing collection, with rather superficial analyses of figures in recent Irish history that allegedly fouled things up -- it's hard to think of someone that DOES come off well.

John Waters has been consistently good for years now. When he offers 50 portraits of the people who fecked up Ireland some are better than others. Worth a read though. @ €16.99 I would wait until it is offered in paperback though ... I take that back that IS the paperback price!
You can borrow my copy when I'm done.