John A. Costello The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A. Costello

By David McCullagh

John A. Costello remains the most elusive of our former Taoisigh, despite his enormous contribution to Irish history. He declared the Republic, led the country's first ever coalition government, and faced the Mother and Child Crisis. A surprise choice who battled against taking the job, Costello was the Reluctant Taoiseach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gill & Macmillan
• Release date: Sep 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9780717151639

David McCullagh

David McCullagh’s previous book was A Makeshift Majority, a history of the first Inter-Party Government. He began working as a journalist with the Evening Press, before joining RTÉ, where he has been Political Correspondent since 2001. He is married to journalist Anne-Marie Smyth. They have one daughter, Rosie.