In 1948, the Taoiseach, John Costello with no consultation of his cabinet, announced to the world press that his government was intending to sever Ireland's last remaining constitutional link with the British Commonwealth. This book delves into the reaction not only of the British government but also the government here and how the continual problem of Partition in the North debilitated and permeated Costello's Coalition government.

This book will explain the knock-on effects that this had with international relations with America, Britain, Canada, Nato and the Commonwealth itself.