This week saw the passing of one of the most controversial and at times influential political figures in Ireland, Conor Cruise O’Brien, aged 91.
The ‘Cruiser’ occupied a central role in southern politics for what seemed decades, and included in his CV – membership of the Labour Party and Dáil Éireann; Minister for Posts & Telegraphs and architect of the Republic’s censorship of Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA; hatred for Charles Haughey; and even membership of the UK Unionist Party.
He left that party after he claimed that the real defeat of violent republicanism would come about when unionists willingly entered a united Ireland.
A diplomat, critic, author, essayist, politician, minister of state, newspaper editor – the likes Conor Cruise O’Brien are few in any generation, and it may be a long time before his like is seen again.
This week saw the passing of one of the most controversial and at times influential political figures in Ireland, Conor Cruise O’Brien, aged 91.
The ‘Cruiser’ occupied a central role in southern politics for what seemed decades, and included in his CV – membership of the Labour Party and Dáil Éireann; Minister for Posts & Telegraphs and architect of the Republic’s censorship of Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA; hatred for Charles Haughey; and even membership of the UK Unionist Party.
He left that party after he claimed that the real defeat of violent republicanism would come about when unionists willingly entered a united Ireland.
A diplomat, critic, author, essayist, politician, minister of state, newspaper editor – the likes Conor Cruise O’Brien are few in any generation, and it may be a long time before his like is seen again.
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