Ourselves Alone: Sinn Féin Behind Closed Doors

Explore the inner workings of Ireland’s most secretive political party with 'Ourselves Alone: Sinn Féin Behind Closed Doors' by Siobhán Fenton. This insightful book offers a unique glimpse into the party's strategy, policy-making, and the human frailties that shaped its journey towards power.

Written by a former communications adviser and party spokesperson, Siobhán Fenton, this book provides an insider's perspective on Sinn Féin's ambition to broaden its appeal and its push towards government in the Republic. Fenton, an unlikely insider with a background in Northern Irish and British media, details her experiences observing the leadership, shaping policy, and dealing with the fallout when strategies unravelled. The narrative reveals an organization grappling with pressures and misjudgements, ultimately impacting its political hopes.

The book charts the period when Sinn Féin appeared poised for power, with Mary Lou McDonald potentially becoming Ireland’s first female Taoiseach. Fenton traces how the party's momentum faltered, offering a particularly revealing account of their response to the Dublin riots, a critical turning point. With nuance and candour, she recounts strategic missteps, the strains on leadership, and her own role in a project that faced challenges.

'Ourselves Alone' is a compelling blend of political memoir and insider history, presenting an illuminating portrait of a pivotal moment in modern Irish politics and a party confronting the limits of its own narrative.

Key Features/Benefits:

• Insider account of Sinn Féin's inner workings.
• Analysis of strategic decisions and leadership challenges.
• Explores the party's ambition and its impact on political momentum.
• Nuanced perspective on critical events like the Dublin riots.
• Part political memoir, part insider history.

Specifications:

• Author: Siobhán Fenton
• Publisher: Sandycove
• Publication Date: 10 September 2026
• Language: English
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Binding: Paperback
• Dimensions: 15.3 x 3.3 x 24.2 cm
• Weight: 436g
• ISBN-10: 184488709X
• ISBN-13: 978-1844887095

This book offers a unique and candid look at a significant period in Irish political history, making it essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary politics and biography.