Customer Reviews

Kevin O'Higgins: Builder of the Irish State

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This is an excellent book, at least for those with a serious interst in the early history of an independent Ireland. It argues successfully for the recognition of O'Higgins as absolutely vital in the establishment of government within an Ireland still torn by civil war and threats both internal and external. I have often wondered at the "downplaying" of O'Higgins in various studies of Ireland in the early 20th Century; I think this book presents an explanation. O'Higgins had a remarkable adherence to principle as opposed to person in his approach to government, admirable if indeed all of his principles were well founded; some might argue with a few espoused by O'Higgins. However, he had the problem that sometimes accompanies that trait; he had the regular habit of making enemies of his friends. He is a man, at least as represented by John McCarthy, that commands respect -- but a respect that I would prefer to render at a considerable distance. McCarthy's treatment of his subject is quite detailed and thorough and, for this reader, provided genuine insights into early independent Ireland. One is left with a sense of wonder that Ireland survived and an appreciation for the contributions of O'Higgins to that survival. Congratulations to a fellow Fordhamite!

The name Kevin O'higgins has been practically air brushed from Irish history by those who came after him.
More than any single person he steered the fledgling state of Ireland to from becoming a military state to become a democratic and tolerant society. His firmness as Minister For Justice and Home affairs in Ireland's first government, succeeded in restoring the rule of law and rescued Ireland from becoming a country where militias rule by terror.
John MccArthy's s book, "Kevin O'Higgins" sets the record straight and documents the heroism and dedication of Ireland's greatest statesman Kevin O'higgins. O'Higgins was no right wing semi-fascist as his detractors have tried to portray him. The book shows that he despised all abusive exercise of power and steered Ireland away from the threat of militia chaos on the one hand and government militarism on the other.
The book would have been even better if the author included a little more on the personality and humor of the man, but it does much to redress the unbalanced treatment of this 20th century O'Connell to his rightful place in Irish history.