Breaking peace: Brexit and Northern Ireland

Abstract

Conversely, though, there are also occasional blank spaces in Kenny’s research which seem rather surprising. Roy Foster’s Vivid Faces, for instance, is a striking omission from the bibliography. Still, there remains much to enjoy here: and in the final analysis Kenny does succeed in offering a lively portrait of an elusive, though towering, figure in the creation of the modern Irish state. The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 cemented Griffith’s reputation; and demolished that of O’Brien. As Irish independence nears its 100th birthday, it is good to see them finally sharing the same stage again: a timely, if edgy, reunion.