Power Play: The Rise of Modern Sinn Féin - Softcover

This is the first comprehensive analysis of how Sinn Fein has transformed itself from 'political wing' of the Republican movement to a mainstream force in Irish politics. Written by Deaglan de Breadun, one of Ireland's leading political journalists, the book provides an incisive account of how the party has arrived at a position, in the space of one generation, where it is in power north of the border and knocking on the door of government in the south. Despite recent controversies and scandals arising from alleged sexual abuse by Republican activists, and the violent legacies of the Troubles, the party has maintained its popularity. The outsiders have now become insiders in the political game. How did this dramatic transformation come about? Based on detailed research, as well as interviews with a wide range of figures inside Sinn Fein and across the Irish political spectrum, Deaglan de Breadun unveils a fascinating and indispensable analysis of a party that has come in from the cold. The book also draws on the author's experiences covering the Northern Ireland peace process, as well as politics in the Republic for many years, to reveal the most fascinating and unmissable political story of 2015. *** "Sinn Fein's rise is perhaps the most remarkable political story of our generation, and in this masterful account Deaglan de Breadun presents the definitive outline of the party's long path to power north and south of the border." -- Cahir O'Doherty, IrishCentral.com, November 2015 [Subject: Current Affairs, Irish Studies, Politics]

Deaglán de Bréadún is author of The Far Side of Revenge: Making Peace in Northern Ireland, the definitive account of the making of the Good Friday Agreement and its aftermath. As a journalist with the Irish Times for many years, he held such positions as Northern Editor, Political Correspondent and Foreign Affairs Correspondent and later worked as Political Editor of the Irish Sun. He is a regular broadcaster on radio and television and a member of the Press Council of Ireland.