Book review: John Bruton gets to grips with 'highly readable' Albert Reynolds biography

While many readers will already be familiar with the broad outline of Albert Reynolds career, Conor Lenihan brings it all to life very well.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, Albert Reynolds, and Leader of the SDLP John Hume, on the steps of Government Buildings in Dublin in April 1994, during the historic meeting between them which is generally regarded as the first official step of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. Picture PA/PA Wire

Albert Reynolds was born in Rooskey Co Roscommon. His father, John Reynolds was a coachbuilder/carpenter and farmer. The family do not appear to have been particularly active in politics.

Albert, the youngest of the family, did not have a taste for farm work and went to boarding school in Summerhill College in Sligo.