Kerry's political dynasties: an ever-tightening grip on political power

Thanks to those who attended my recent talk in Listowel on Kerry’s political dynasties, a lecture inspired by research for my book Heirs to the Kingdom: Kerry’s Political Dynasties (O’Brien Press, 2011). For anyone looking for more information on some of the figures mentioned here and there on this blog and some analysis of the dynastic phenomenon in Irish politics, the following is the blurb from the book which can be purchased through www.obrien.ie:

‘The political dynasty is as well-established tradition in Ireland, but most particularly in Kerry, where nearly all politicians can trace their political lineage back several generations - with some unbroken representation extending back to the foundation of the state! O’Shea explores the grip on power these families have held for many years, and how they exclude new entrants to the political system; the pressures on family members to continue the traditions of their forefathers; the intense local rivalries and the impact of these families on the national political scene. Politics does not get any fiercer than in Kerry, and this original and well-researched book throws a light on how Irish public representatives get and keep hold of power and influence.’

The following review of the book appeared on the www.politico.ie website:

“Owen O'Shea has had an ear to the ground in Kerry politics for many years. A former Labour Party press officer and columnist with the Kerry’s Eye newspaper, his familiarity with the county's political intrigues, power games and scandals is impressive. This is high-quality political analysis and, in an era when it is being rapidly overhauled, a book invaluable for those who want to know what makes the Irish political system tick.”

You can read the full review here:

http://politico.ie/social-issues/books/7341-keeping-politics-personal.html

Have you got any canvassing literature from Kerry candidates from elections past?

 
Election literature - which finds its way in most houses from the letterbox to the dustbin - remains a fascinating exposition of some of the great election campaigns of the past. As the years go by, they can be a niggling embarrassment to a sitting TD or a nostalgic reminder of the great characters and statesmen and women and wannabe politicians who have represented their constituents in our national and local assemblies.

I am in the process of compiling (from my own collections and others) a portfolio of election leaflets from Kerry candidates over the years. I already have a pretty reasonable collection of items from recent general and local elections but little from the previous decades. A real gem from the very historic 1956 by-election featuring the then Fianna Fáil candidate Dan Moloney is pictured here (with thanks to his grandson, Cllr Jimmy Moloney).
 
If you have any election leaflets from any past election (and would be willing to have them scanned and returned), I would love to hear from you at politicsinkerry@gmail.com.
 
The Irish election literature website below has a wonderful collection of material from all over the country including from Kerry candidates from the past, which can be found here:

http://irishelectionliterature.wordpress.com/tag/kerry/