Conduct Unbecoming
Desmond O’Malley’s career coincided with one of the most intense periods in Irish political life. In this landmark political memoir he offers fresh insights into the events that have shaped Ireland’s past and present – the Arms Crisis, the Troubles and the Beef Tribunal among them.
Opening in 1970 with his dramatic appointment as Minister for Justice as the Arms Crisis had the country hovering on the verge of anarchy, O’Malley recollects the bruising battles with his nemesis Charles Haughey, his expulsion from Fianna Fáil for ‘conduct unbecoming a party member’, and the foundation of the Progressive Democrats.
Known for his strongly held views, Des O’Malley made an indelible mark on Irish public life. He has never been afraid to speak uncomfortable truths or ask awkward questions, and similarly in this much-talked about memoir, he does not hold back.
‘A significant book by a formidable politician from a remarkable period in our history.’
Pat Rabbitte TD
‘Hard-hitting, opinionated and controversial.’
Maurice Manning
‘The political autobiography of the year.’ The Limerick Leader
‘Books by political insiders are too rare in Ireland. Good ones rarer still. This is one of the best.’James Downey, The Irish Independent
ISBN
9780717162260Publication Date
October 2014Language(s)
EnglishFormat
Hardback, 244 pagesCountry of Origin
IRELANDPublisher
Gill BooksDimensions
240 x 160 mmAuthor(s)
By Desmond O'MalleyAvailability Status
Out of printDesmond O’Malley was born in Limerick in 1939. He served as a Fianna Fáil TD between 1968 and his expulsion from the party in 1984, during which time he occupied three ministerial positions and served as government chief whip.
He first leapt to prominence in 1970 as Jack Lynch’s young and fiercely principled Minister for Justice. His role in the Arms Crisis, recalled here, earned him the enmity of Charles Haughey, whose leadership of Fianna Fáil he attempted first to prevent, then challenge for the best part of a decade.
Unable to arrest the party’s slow retreat from what he saw as the high watermark of Jack Lynch’s leadership, O’Malley was finally ejected from Fianna Fáil in 1985 following his acclaimed ‘I stand by the republic’ address. He would found the Progressive Democrats several months later, a party he led until 1993.
Des O'Malley retired from politics in 2002. He lives in Dublin with his wife Pat. They have 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
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