The Definite Article: Collected Writings of - Hardcover

Michael McDowell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1786052164 ISBN 13: 9781786052162

Publisher: Red Stripe Press, 2025

Synopsis

Michael McDowell has been writing a weekly column for a number of Irish newspapers for more than 15 years, and in that time has covered topics such as Irish and international politics, constitutional law, history, culture, legal issues, media and more. His articles have provoked public discussion and debate, and have influenced the course of constitutional referendums. In this book of his collected writings, over 100 of his best articles and papers are drawn into one volume. Agree or disagree with the stances he takes, McDowell’s arguments are always clear, thought-provoking, and grounded in a deep understanding of history, politics and law.

About this title

About the Author

Michael McDowell is a former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and Attorney General of Ireland, and served three terms as a member of Dáil Éireann between 1987 and 2007. He was founding chairman of the Progressive Democrats in 1985. From 1999 to 2007 he played a significant role in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement. He was educated at Gonzaga College, Dublin, 1959–1968. He graduated in Economics, Politics, Roman Law and Jurisprudence at University College Dublin. He qualified as a barrister in 1974 and was called to the Inner Bar in 1987. He practises as a Senior Counsel at The Bar of Ireland. He has played a leading role in a succession of referendum debates in relation to amendments to the Irish Constitution. In 2016, at the request of the late Senator Feargal Quinn, he stood successfully for the NUI constituency in Seanad Éireann, and was re-elected in 2020 and in 2025, securing the largest ever NUI vote. Michael McDowell is married to Professor Niamh Brennan, and they have three sons and two grandchildren.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Stripe Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1786052164
• ISBN 13: 9781786052162
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 464