Friday 19 June 2020

Just a Simple Belfast Boy

2013 Brian Mawhinney
ISBN 978-1-84954-532-7

When driving along a UK motorway, have you ever encountered a 40 mile per hour speed restriction that continued mile after mile for no apparent reason, and wondered what was going on? Brian explains in this book how this came to pass. In fact if you would like a window into government within the UK written with humour and honesty, this is the book for you.

In 371 pages, including the index, Mr Mawhinney with kind humour, tells us how he first became the MP for Peterborough, was appointed to the Northern Ireland Office during the troubles, became Minister for Health, Minister of State for Transport, Conservative Party Chairman, worked with Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Michael Heseltine and many others, became Chairman of the Football League, and was involved in a bid to FIFA for the World Cup to be in the UK. He is kind to all but you can get a good idea who he regards as the goodies, and who the baddies.

This is an inside story, told with accuracy and honesty, because Brian Mawhinney is a committed Christian and he highly values integrity.

This book is exciting reading if you have an interest in government or football, and counters the accusations of 'sleaze everywhere' made daily in the newspapers and other media.


Amazon states: This simple Belfast boy was to find himself at the centre of politics during some of the most tumultuous events of recent British history - the peace process in Ireland, Britain in Europe, Thatcher versus Major. This momentous autobiography is full of the acerbic wit and outspoken opinion that characterises Brian Mawhinney - the man and the politician. This long-awaited memoir is a major work of enduring historical significance, packed with untold stories.