Albert Reynolds: My Autobiography

I was a businessman, a risk taker.' - Albert Reynolds. 'Albert was a trader and Albert was a dealer - he was a bottom-line man.' - John Major. Albert Reynolds has led an extraordinary life. Now, for the first time, Ireland's eighth Taoiseach tells his life story - from his childhood and first steps as a young businessman to his action-filled years in the political arena. Bringing lessons learned in business to his ten years as a government minister, he continued his style of direct dealing in the office of Taoiseach, tackling his key objectives on the Irish economy and the search for peace in Northern Ireland. In this revelatory autobiography, Albert tells how his dynamic, can-do approach and his consistent ability to make the most of an opportunity allowed a boy from the village of Roosky, Co. Roscommon, to build a ballroom empire with his brother Jim, to found a multi-million-pound company and to make a profound and lasting contribution to Irish politics. Albert relives a busy political life - from high achievements such as the Downing Street Declaration, negotiating the first IRA ceasefire and laying the foundations for an improved economy, to lows like the collapse of the Fianna Fail--Labour coalitions and the disappointment of his presidential bid. The Northern Ireland peace process is thrown into dramatic relief with original contributions from other voices such as John Major, Bill Clinton, Martin McGuinness and Archbishop Eames and eye-opening revelations about secret, behind-the-scenes meetings with key players. 'Give it as it was; tell it as it is, that is me.' In his autobiography, he does just that.

About the Author :
Born in Roosky, County Roscommon, in November, 1932, Albert Reynolds served as Ireland's eighth Taoiseach from 1992 to 1994 and was a pivotal player in the advancement of the Northern Ireland peace process during that time. Reynolds was first elected to D il ireann as a Fianna F il TD for Longford-Westmeath in 1977 after an early career as a successful businessman, and continued to be re-elected as a TD until his retirement in 2002. In that time he served as Minister for Finance (1988-1991), Minister for Industry & Commerce (1987-1988), Minister for Industry & Energy (1982), Minister for Transport (1980-1981) and Minister for Post & Telegraphs (1979-1981). He is married with seven children.

Review :
"I want to congratulate Albert for this memoir which marks a significant contribution to our modern history. This book chronicles the life and times of Ireland's eighth Taoiseach from his earliest memories through his full and action-packed time in Government, to his life beyond politics...His immense abilities took him to the top of the ladder in Irish politics and this book chronicles his many achievements and accomplishments. You can almost hear Albert's authentic voice describe battles won and battles lost in his characteristically refreshing, frank and often self-deprecating style." Brian Cowen, Taoiseach 20090924 "Fifteen years after resigning as Taoiseach, and with his achievements in the North secure, Albert Reynolds tells his own story...One of its great strengths is that, like the man himself, it is utterly unpretentious. Unlike most political autobiographies, the book does not have a grandiose self-serving title, simply Albert Reynolds: My Autobiography." -- Stephen Collins Irish Times 20090912 "A sensational account of his life by former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds ... gives a graphic account of [his] rise from dancehall promoter to the Taoiseach's office and his fall from power after two tumultuous years." -- Liam Collins Sunday Independent 20090823 "He tells [his story] briskly, and with more accuracy and objectivity than one normally expects from politicians. And he tells quite a few good yarns along the way." -- James Downey Irish Independent 20090926 "This book is a serious contribution to contemporary Irish political history" -- Tim Pat Coogan Sunday Business Post 20091018