It’s 100% worth listening to if you’re into Irish politics

It’s a remarkable perspective on a tumultuous time in Irish public life. It gives a fascinating personal perspective on an extremely challenging ministerial brief; shows how isolated and poorly advised / not looked after the author was as minister; and how bad the politics of FG and FF were during this time such that they failed to marshal the state (national and local) around the problem of housing effectively.

It’s also just generally interesting on loads of details about the running of local and daily campaigns, Leo’s leadership campaign, and how hard it was to be in the public eye during this period for the author.

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Excellent

An honest tell all of the extreme difficulties and bureaucracy involved in Irish politics in the 21st century. The current housing crisis encapsulates everything that's wrong with modern day Ireland and I have never once envied anyone in the position of housing minister as it seem to be a poisoned chalice. Really enjoyed Eoghan's story of his rise in politics and then the bear all moments where the stress over come him in periods. Wouldn't have an ounce of time for his former parties current policies but have to say I have a new found admiration for Mr. Murphy himself after reading this. Thoroughly recommend it.

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Really good stuff

So much good stuff here. It’s a really honest insight into the tough job of politics and an exceptionally tough brief. There isnt the same subtle self congratulatory tone that often permeates the political autobiography. Murphs is often self effacing and at times overly critical of himself. Brave, honest, well written and well read, I could not put it down (/press pause)

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Well written memoir with a tight narrative and full of interesting tidbits.

Eoghan's depiction of experiencing bitter, personal tragedy, and having to push all of the feelings down and go back to work was very relatable, if hard to hear. He has frank and matter of fact delivery that puts you into his head. The prose isn't frilly, it's detail dense and effective, while not overstaying its welcome. The story told is intensely personal. Other people somehow seem flat, existing as names with ideas or roles attatched to them. This works for a memoir, I feel like I'm seeing the world as he sees it, without a window into the thoughts of others. His insight into ministerial politics and Fine Gael's inner workings are interesting.

I'm left with the question Murphy apparently asked himself frequently while in government. If we can pull together to efficiently address emergencies like Ophelia and Covid, then why is housing stuck in a quagmire?

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Raw and insightful

A real life, uninterrupted step into the political life of a mainstream politician. An often unknown realm of closed door meetings, hushed conversations and decision making laid bare for the readers eyes.

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An exceptional insight into the career of a politician

An impressively frank, insightful and exceptional view into the mechanics and life as a politician and government minister

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Honest account in a tough role

I found Murphy’s account surprisingly unflinching and honest in his expression of motivations, thoughts and back room machinations of his time in government. I found it a very good read with some elements of humour injected even amongst the meanderings of in depth housing policy. Perhaps it’s too late in the court of public opinion for the author to cut a sympathetic figure but I think he afforded the reader more honesty in this book than maybe was permissible when he was a minister

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