Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness, is launching his eagerly anticipated new book on Saturday next, November 6, at Stonehouse Books in MacDonagh Junction.
It’s understood that the book contains much criticism of the Irish political system and of the current government — in particular its leadership.
The independent-minded Kilkenny TD has written down all of his grievances with the current government and the Irish political system and put them into one publication — which will undoubtedly cause some controversy over coming weeks from some members of Leinster House.
The book entitled The House Always Wins — Time to Turn the Tables was written by John McGuinness along with former civil servant and political consultant Naoise Nunn. Well known for his straight-forward approach to politics, McGuinness calls for good governance and accountability. Within the pages, McGuinness vocalises once more, his desire for the Dáil to take control and to remove the bad practices and scandalous waste of Irish resources.
In his introduction to his first ever book Deputy McGuinness said, “this book was written because we need to radically reform our system of governance if we are to build a new and better Ireland and I do not believe, despite the rhetoric, that any party in the Dáil is prepared to take the steps that must be taken. They will have to be pushed and this is my contribution to that effort . . . This is a small country that has to sell itself in highly competitive world markets. It is essential that every section of our society plays its part . . . Currently the State is a wet blanket on the fires of aspiration, progress, ambition and social cohesion.”
In The House Always Wins John McGuinness gives an insider’s account of dysfunction in the Irish political and administrative system. He speaks with authority both as a TD and as a former Government Minister.
McGuinness offers his extensive knowledge of the system as he describes how limited the powers of a minister are, and how difficult it now is for politicians at any level to make a difference. The system, he argues, is rigged against initiative and reform — thus the title of the book.
The authors chronicle a catalogue of old Spanish practices, artificial demarcations and atrocious waste. It describes idle public servants playing Solitaire on their computers with the full knowledge and consent of their superiors. McGuinness claims there were persistent attempts by his senior civil servants to circumscribe his independence as a minister. The system, he argues, is rigged against initiative and reform.
The House Always Wins will be launched on November 6, at 3pm at Stonehouse Books, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny.
