Michael Laffan 
Judging W.T. Cosgrave 

W. T. Cosgrave has been neglected in comparison with other prominent twentieth century Irish leaders. This biography, which uses sources not consulted by other historians, examines his career as local politician, rebel, minister, head of government for nearly ten years, and opposition leader. In particular it assesses his role as a state-builder and a key figure in the Irish democratic tradition.