Rough Beast: My Story and the Reality of Sinn Fein

A book about the implications of an unreformed Sinn Féin, still controlled by the rump of the IRA, entering into the government of the Republic of Ireland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Rough Beast is a powerful and harrowing memoir by Máiría Cahill, detailing her life and the traumatic experiences she faced at the hands of Ireland's largest and richest political party. This story, previously undisclosed in its entirety, is presented with unwavering honesty and reveals a world of unimaginable trauma and political corruption. Cahill grew up in the shadow of Irish republicanism, with her great-uncle Joe being a key founder of the Provisional IRA, and her grandfather serving as Gerry Adams' mentor in the republican movement. From a young age, Cahill was destined for a successful career within Sinn Féin, the political party that emerged after the Good Friday Agreement. She worked closely with leading republicans, even serving as a radio DJ, and was considered a family friend by Gerry Adams and other senior figures. However, Cahill's life took a dark turn when she was sexually abused by a prominent Belfast IRA man at the age of 16. Despite her pain and trauma, she confided in trusted friends, who, without her knowledge, informed the IRA about the abuse. A year later, the organization coerced her into participating in an inept and insensitive internal investigation. Cahill was subjected to countless rounds of interrogations by senior IRA members and women, often in safe houses around Belfast. Doubt was cast on her account, and she faced relentless harassment and intimidation. Through her resilience and courage, Cahill refused to be silenced and fought back against the power wielded by the ex-gunmen. Her story sheds light on the dark world of paramilitary secrecy and parallel laws that existed in Ireland during the Troubles. It also exposes the influence these ex-gunmen had over elected politicians, who were willing to turn a blind eye to their actions in exchange for political support. Cahill's memoir is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Irish conflict and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 233 x 152 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804540121