Books

The Taoiseach

Iain Dale

Ireland, under both the Irish Free State and after full independence, has now had just over 100 years of autonomous national political leadership.

This book, based on Iain Dale’s blockbuster podcast, tells the story of Irish politics over the past century by examining the lives and actions of each Irish Taoiseach, from W.T. Cosgrave to Micheál Martin. 15 leading Irish historians, journalists and politicians write essays on each of these figures, showing in the process how Ireland developed from a poor ex-colony to a successful, modern country at the heart of the European Union. In the process, the contributors examine the importance of topics such as the power of the Roman Catholic Church, changing social mores, Ireland’s relationship with the UK, and its economic development.

This is a must read for anyone interested in Irish politics at a time of potential far-reaching change for the republic.

Hardback

ISBN: 9781800754249

Published: October 23, 2025

Ebook

ISBN: 9781800754256

Published: October 23, 2025

Category:
Non-fiction

Reviews for The Taoiseach

‘This highly readable and enjoyable book includes the best Irish political writers – journalists, academics and politicians – and gives a unique view of the history of the Irish State through the lens of its Taoisigh’ – Prof Ian Robertson, Trinity College, Dublin

‘A glittering, kaleidoscopic view of the bumblers, chancers, do-gooders and political wizards who have led and shaped Ireland. These cool, lucid essays show a nexus of power and personalities that at times resembles a cross between Machiavelli and Father Ted’ – Rory Carroll, Ireland Correspondent, The Guardian

‘No comprehensive overview of the office of taoiseach and the politicians who occupied it has been published until now. Happily, Iain Dale has rectified that omission, bringing together some of our most perceptive historians and incisive analysts to tell a story not just of individual political successes and failures but of the remarkable transformation of Ireland over its 100 years as a sovereign independent nation’ – Hugh Linehan, presenter of the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast

Author

Iain Dale

Iain Dale is an accomplished broadcaster, presenting his own daily radio show on LBC, and several podcasts, including For the Many and Iain Dale All Talk. He is a regular on Question Time, Newsnight, Good Morning Britain, Politics Live and a columnist for the Telegraph. He is the author/editor of more than 40 books, most recently The Presidents and The Prime Ministers. He lives in Tunbridge Wells and Norfolk.