John Horgan (2) (1940–)

Horgan again demonstrates that he is an excellent biographer in this book and I hope he will choose to write more. Noel Browne is a highly controversial in Irish life to this day even after his death as he has a great many supporters and detractors. His autobiography, Against the Tide, earned him justified criticism for the way he chose to attack selective political opponents of his, several of whom had long since been dead and which by and large was highly self-serving. Horgan tears up the autobiography and presents a warts and all analysis of his muse. Fans or detractors of Browne should read both this book and Against the Tide and then decide what road they want to take in my opinion. Browne’s tragic upbringing is analysed in detail together with his education and his motivation to enter politics is discussed. His relationship with political colleagues in each of the parties he served in is assessed in detail generating a wealth of information and painting an interesting portrait of the man. His contribution to the State is also assessed. There is an excellent bibliography for those who want to read more on the subject.… (meer)

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.… (meer)