The electrifying behind-the-scenes account of a year that brought Ireland to the brink and back.
In 2020 Ireland was launched into a state of turmoil, with the Government scrambling to handle the arrival of a virus that would see the already strained healthcare system buckle under the weight of the responsibility foisted upon it. The National Public Health Emergency Team was sent into overdrive, while thousands became unemployed as businesses around the country closed their doors.
Woven from a wealth of original research and dozens of interviews with ministers, politicians, public health experts, essential workers, and ordinary people on whom the crisis exacted a personal toll, this is the incendiary untold story of Irelands response to the most significant public health emergency of the past century.
Ranging from the halls of Government Buildings, where a new Cabinet riven by personal acrimony found itself beset by a series of unprecedented crises, to the frontlines of the containment effort itself, where medical practitioners and the communities they serve were pushed to breaking point, A State of Emergency is a landmark work of investigative journalism and the defining account of an extraordinary time in Irish history.
"A State of Emergency: Ireland's COVID-19 Crisis - An Unflinching Investigation" Delve into the heart of Ireland's tumultuous 2020 with "A State of Emergency," a gripping and meticulously researched account of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This isn't just a retelling of events; it's an explosive, behind-the-scenes expos that uncovers the raw realities faced by those in power, on the front lines, and in the everyday lives of the Irish people. This compelling narrative goes beyond the headlines, offering unprecedented access to the key players who navigated the crisis. Gain insights from exclusive interviews with government ministers, politicians grappling with unprecedented challenges, dedicated public health experts tirelessly working to contain the virus, and essential workers who risked their own well-being to keep the country running. Hear the poignant and often heartbreaking stories of ordinary citizens whose lives were irrevocably altered by the pandemic. "A State of Emergency" paints a vivid picture of the chaotic atmosphere within Government Buildings, where a newly formed Cabinet, burdened by internal conflicts, confronted a relentless barrage of crises. Explore the immense pressure faced by medical practitioners and the communities they served as the healthcare system teetered on the brink of collapse. The book unflinchingly reveals the struggles, the sacrifices, and the moments of both despair and resilience that defined this extraordinary period in Irish history. Published by Collins Crime Club in 2021, though this story isn't fiction, "A State of Emergency" reads with the urgency and intrigue of a thriller. The author masterfully weaves together a complex tapestry of political maneuvering, scientific uncertainty, and human drama, creating a landmark work of investigative journalism that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of the decisions, the consequences, and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ireland, "A State of Emergency" is an essential read. It's a powerful and unforgettable testament to the strength and resilience of the Irish people in the face of unprecedented adversity. Prepare to be informed, moved, and challenged by this definitive account of a nation in crisis. This book offers crucial context, going beyond daily news reports to build a cohesive story that will help you understand Ireland's COVID-19 journey.