New book about 'Irish Times' launched

MINISTER FOR Integration Conor Lenihan yesterday launched a book which he said aimed to give an "alternative" history of The Irish Times.

The Irish Times: Past and Presentby John Martin is published by the Belfast Historical and Educational Society.

Launching the book at a function yesterday, Mr Lenihan said the newspaper was one of the most influential institutions in Irish life which merited being held up to scrutiny.

"The Irish Times is an extremely influential newspaper. One could describe it as an institution, and it has been for more than 100 years. Like all institutions, whether it's the church, politics, the banks or, indeed, Fianna Fáil, they have all been subject to combative scrutiny over the years.

"It's good to have an alternative view of that tradition. I suppose you could describe this as an unofficial biography of The Irish Times. This is one side of the story. No doubt The Irish Times has its own story to tell through its own official biography, but I think people will be interested in both."

The author, an accountant and a contributor to the Irish Political Review, said the book was key to understanding the history of the newspaper and, on a wider level, the dynamics of Irish society itself.

It covers issues such as the The Irish Times's coverage of the rise of nationalism in the 19th century, the Treaty negotiations and the formation of the Irish Free State.