Patrick Hillery: a formidable politician, but also one of the most creative public figures in recent Irish history. Although he never served as Taoiseach, Hillery's influence on significant turning points in contemporary Irish history, including the arms crisis in 1970 and Ireland's accession to the European Community, is considered in the light of his own concerns and preoccupations.

Hillery's recollections of the most controversial events of his career, notably the Papal visit in 1979 and attempts by leading politicians to influence the President's decisions in 1982, are analysed for the first time. The present book is based on a number of in-depth interviews with Dr. Hillery and on unrestricted access to his private papers. The work provides a comprehensive and balanced portrayal of one of the most important figures in the development of contemporary Ireland.