Radicals & Realists

From the nationalist, unionist and Labour traditions of pre-partition Ireland to the parties that have contested elections in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, 'The Political Parties of Ireland' is the first book to feature all Irish political parties. In addition to charting the successes and setbacks of the major parties, which are featured in the order in which they were founded, Lila Haines also reflects on how smaller parties have influenced the direction of political travel. Drawing widely on original sources, contemporary journalism, political memoirs, respected historians as well as accounts by key backroom participants, Lila Haines reveals the power struggles and collaborations, splinters and mergers, and the ideals and deals that changed Ireland.