Author and journalist John Downing’s unauthorised biography of Taoiseach Enda Kenny was launched last night in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel by RTÉ broadcaster Seán O’Rourke.
The book Enda Kenny: The Unlikely Taoiseach traces the irresistible but protracted rise of the Mayo primary teacher to the summit of Irish politics – from the start of the journey in a byelection 37 years ago to Government Buildings today.
O’Rourke said the book was “brilliantly evocative in describing how the business of politics was conducted in earlier times” and “a splendid presentation of the story of a man you would underestimate at your peril”.
Despite its unofficial status and a reported wariness towards the book on the part of its subject, Fine Gael was well-represented at its unveiling.