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The Secret Life of Leinster House

What You Really Need to Know about How the Country is Run

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The Secret Life of Leinster House

By: Gavan Reilly
Narrated by: Gavan Reilly
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About this listen

What is it like to run for election? How do public representatives deal with the cut-throat competition from their rivals – and their own running mates? What's the Dáil bar really like? And why, given the constant abuse and demands, would anyone want to do it?

Who better to take us inside the house of political power in Ireland than Virgin Media's Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly? His writing on Ireland's electoral system demystified the complexities of Irish political power for many. Now, in The Secret Life of Leinster House, he shows what it takes to make it as a politician and gives listeners a ringside seat at the Cabinet table.

Meet the whips, lobbyists and special advisers pulling the strings. Discover how leaked minutes from parliamentary party meetings end up on the Six One News. With unprecedented access to political insiders, The Secret Life of Leinster House lifts the lid on what really goes on, revealing what politicians want you to know about them – and what they don't!

©2025 Gavan Reilly (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing Elections & Political Process Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government

Critic reviews

'This book has it all ... the ultimate behind-the-curtain guide to the world of Irish politics.' (Jennifer Bray, political editor at The Sunday Times Ireland)
'Invaluable insights into the drama, demands and drudgery of politics ... essential reading for anyone with ambitions.' (Sean O'Rourke, Irish journalist and broadcaster)
All stars
Most relevant
Book gives great insights for those who want to get into politics. I found it overly sympathetic we have more whinging politicians than anywhere else in the world and the media lap it up. Ok TDs “only” get 4.5k a month net after pension deductions and health insurance and before allowances but the rest of the country contributes to their own pension and pays top rate of tax at 52% too. Like please cry me a river maybe if they stopped wasting money we could all get a tax cut. The book does highlight flaws in the legislative process not scrutinising legislation enough so they can all go home early. Anyone with a problem with the long hours should go back to their 9-5 and leave space for someone with a better work ethic.

Worth a read if your really into politics

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Accurate account of life in Leinster House, gives great insight I would like highly recommend this book

Excellent Read

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very well written and equally well read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it in no time.

Very enjoyable

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In addition to being a good read with magnetic storytelling, this book helped shine a light on how the Oireachtas works. Everything from the simple facts, to unspoken rules, to the real story behind news headlines are to be found in this book. Spelling out the functions and operations of Leinster house gives Irish democracy a transparency it’s never had before.

Important for democracy

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