From the nationalist, unionist and labour traditions to today’s fascinating array of parties, the history of Ireland’s political parties is a tangled web that has finally, for the first time, been expertly unravelled and explained in a single volume.

In addition to charting the successes and setbacks of all the major parties and the impact they and their leaders have had on

Ireland’s history, Lila Haines’ scholarly yet very accessible study also reflects on how smaller parties have influenced the direction of political travel.

Drawing widely on original sources, contemporary journalism, political memoirs, respected historians as well as accounts by key backroom participants, Lila Haines skilfully reveals the power struggles and collaborations, splinters and mergers, and the ideals and deals that changed Ireland.

Radicals & Realists is an indispensible companion for all who wish to know how Ireland’s political parties have evolved, and how their electoral journeys are shaping the future of the island they share.