'In an era of 24/7 news cycles, constant opinion polling and new technologies, political communications will continue to evolve. Today's spin-doctors are faced with the serious problem posed by fake news on social media and the crucial debate about where does information end and misinformation begin. For anyone who wants to inform themselves about the terrain from which Irish political communications has emerged and where this may lead, this very enjoyable book is required reading.' Irish Literary Supplement 'Today's spin-doctors are faced with the serious problems posed by fake news on social media and the crucial debate about where does information end and misinformation begin. For anyone who wants to inform themselves about the terrain from which Irish political communications has emerged and where this may lead, this very enjoyable book is required reading.' Irish Literary Supplement 'The title Political Communication in the Republic of Ireland reflects this book's academic origins, but it reads like an insider's guide to life in Leinster House and editors' offices. This is the first time that Irishstyle political communication - or spin, or propaganda: call it what you will - has got an impartial examination. Its editors, Mark O'Brien and Donnacha O Beachain, of Dublin City University, have drawn together contributors from across the political and communications disciplines to cast their authoritative eyes over Irish political discourse ... What makes this book a trove is its lack of partisan politics. The detached, measured view offered by the assembled academics rings true to anyone involved or interested in political communication. This is a good insight into politics for genuine hurlers on the ditch and for devotees of the black art.' The Irish Times 'Political Communication in the Republic of Ireland is an intriguing work that, at minimum, ought to be read by anyone interested in the democratic political process and especially by those who have a research or other interest in Ireland.' Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly '... the themes have been well chosen and thoughtfully addressed. Recommended reading for the aspirant mediaworker, the political scientist or the sociologist of communications.' The Sunday Times Reviews This excellent book has been meticulously edited by Donnacha O Beachain and Mark O'Brien. The practice of political communications can sometimes be characterised by reaction over reflection. The contributors to this book display the kind of thoughtfulness and insight that can be lacking in a world where perhaps there has been too much 'us and them' - politicians on one hand, media on the other. I have no doubt it will be a fascinating and invaluable work for students of the subject.