"He adopted a singular stance on Irish neutrality during the war years, calling on the country to support the Allies against the Nazis' threat to democracy. Thoroughly and often vindictively criticised for his views, he continued to be outspoken, ultimately resigning from Fine Gael on the issue. Reconciled with the party in later years, he became leader of Fine Gael in 1959 and leader of the opposition during the Lemass years." "Maurice Manning's study portrays a man whose beliefs focused always on the fundamental issues of politics: the freedom of the individual and the democratic authority of parliament."--BOOK JACKET.