Martin Matthews Popular Books

Martin Matthews Biography & Facts

Micheál Martin (Irish: [ˈmʲiːçaːl̪ˠ]; born 1 August 1960) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who is serving as Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence since December 2022. He served as Taoiseach from 2020 to 2022 and has been Leader of Fianna Fáil since January 2011. He has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for Cork South-Central since 1989. He served as Leader of the Opposition from 2011 to 2020 and held various Cabinet offices under Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen. Born in Cork, Martin initially worked as a teacher before entering politics. He was elected to Cork City Council in 1985, and served as Lord Mayor of Cork from 1992 to 1993. In 1989, he was first elected to Dáil Éireann for Cork South-Central, a seat he has represented ever since. After the victory of Fianna Fáil at the 1997 election, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern appointed Martin to the Cabinet as Minister for Education and Science. In 2000, Martin was appointed Minister for Health and Children. In 2004, during his time as Health Minister, Martin was notable for introducing a ban on tobacco smoking in all Irish workplaces, making Ireland the first country in the world to introduce a full workplace smoking ban. In the same year, Martin established the Health Service Executive. He served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2004 to 2008, before being appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs by Ahern's successor, Brian Cowen. In 2009, Martin became the first Irish foreign minister to travel to Latin America, during which time he also made the first official visit to Cuba by any Irish minister. Martin also visited Khartoum during his time as Foreign Minister, following the kidnapping of Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki. In January 2011, Martin resigned as Foreign Minister in protest at Cowen's leadership. Following Cowen's own resignation as Leader of Fianna Fáil, Martin was quickly elected to replace him. Just weeks later, at the 2011 general election, Martin led Fianna Fáil to the worst result in its 85-year history, with a loss of 57 seats and a popular vote of just 17.4%. He nevertheless remained in the leadership, becoming Leader of the Opposition. At the 2016 general election, Fianna Fáil's performance improved significantly, more than doubling their representation in the Dáil, with Martin continuing as Leader of the Opposition. Martin led his party through the 2020 general election, which led to Fianna Fáil becoming the largest party in the Dáil by just one seat. After lengthy negotiations, he was appointed Taoiseach on 27 June 2020, leading a grand coalition with longtime rival party Fine Gael, marking the first time these two parties had governed together, along with the Green Party. Under the terms of the coalition agreement, Martin served as Taoiseach for the first half of the five-year term, with his predecessor Leo Varadkar as Tánaiste. Martin then resigned as Taoiseach on 17 December 2022 to facilitate the appointment of Varadkar to the office. Early life Martin was born in 1960 in Cork, and was raised in the Turners Cross area. Martin was the son of Paddy Martin (1923–2012), a former soldier in the Defence Forces, CIÉ employee and Irish international boxer, and Eileen "Lana" Corbett (1929–2010). He was the third child in a family of five. Martin's eldest brother Seán and his twin brother Pádraig subsequently became involved in local politics in Cork. His two younger sisters, Eileen and Máiréad, have remained apolitical. Martin attended Coláiste Chríost Rí before studying arts at University College Cork.It was during his time at university that Martin became involved in politics. He was a prominent member of the UCC cumann of Ógra Fianna Fáil, the youth wing of the party, before serving as national chairman of Ógra. After graduating with a BA degree, Martin completed an MA in political history. Subsequently, he completed a higher diploma in education, and began a career as a history teacher in Presentation Brothers College.In 2009, he published his MA thesis as a book: Freedom to Choose: Cork and Party Politics in Ireland 1918–1932. Early political career Martin's time as a teacher was short-lived: he left after just one year to become a full-time politician, when he secured election to Cork Corporation as a Fianna Fáil candidate in 1985. It was from this local base that he decided to embark on a career in national politics a little under two years later. Martin was one of four candidates who secured the Fianna Fáil nomination to run in the Cork South-Central constituency at the 1987 general election; however, of the four he polled the fewest first-preference votes and failed to be elected. He became a member of the Fianna Fáil national executive in 1988.In 1989, Taoiseach Charles Haughey called a snap election, and Martin was once again added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in Cork South-Central, and on that occasion he secured election to Dáil Éireann. He has been re-elected at each election since.In his first few years as a TD, Martin served on a number of Oireachtas committees, including those dealing with crime, finance and the Irish language. He served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1992. Two years later, in December 1994, Bertie Ahern was elected as the new leader of Fianna Fáil, as the party lost power and went into opposition. Martin, however, joined Ahern's new front bench at the start of 1995 as Spokesperson on Education and the Gaeltacht. Cabinet career (1997–2011) Minister for Education and Science (1997–2000) When Fianna Fáil returned to power following the 1997 general election, Martin was appointed to the newly expanded position of Minister for Education and Science. Aged 36, he was the youngest member of Bertie Ahern's first cabinet. As Minister for Education and Science, his tenure was characterised by an increase in spending at all levels of education, while a number of educational initiatives, such as a review of the primary school curriculum and the introduction of special needs assistants, were also initiated. Minister for Health and Children (2000–2004) In a cabinet reshuffle in January 2000, Martin was appointed Minister for Health and Children. Martin's predecessor, Brian Cowen, described the position as "like being in Angola", because 'landmines' can go off at any time.In spite of tough opposition, Martin introduced a ban on tobacco smoking in all Irish workplaces, including pubs and restaurants. On 30 January 2003 he announced his intention to have the ban in place on 1 January 2004. He visited New York in September 2003 to look at how a similar ban worked there, and signed the UN's framework convention on tobacco control at their headquarters. The smoking ban was introduced on 29 March 2004, making Ireland the first country in the world to introduce a blanket ban on smoking in the workplace. On 4 September 2004 Martin was presented with an award for his work on the smoking ban by the European Respiratory Society in Glasgow.He introduced an overhaul of th.... Discover the Martin Matthews popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Martin Matthews books.

Best Seller Martin Matthews Books of 2024

  • Single for the Summer synopsis, comments

    Single for the Summer

    Mandy Baggot

    A fun, feelgood romantic comedy to read on the beach this summer, from Queen of Greek romance Mandy Baggot.Tess Parks has made up her mind: love isn’t for her.When it comes to dati...

  • Palace of Treason synopsis, comments

    Palace of Treason

    Jason Matthews

    Red Sparrow is now a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton!The thrilling sequel to Red SparrowCIA insider Jason Matthews’s compulsively readable New Yor...

  • Summer at the Kindness Cafe synopsis, comments

    Summer at the Kindness Cafe

    Victoria Walters

    'ONE OF THE GENRE'S STANDOUT STARS THERE IS SO MUCH HEART IN THIS BOOK!' heat Escape to the beautiful town of Littlewood with this heartwarming read, perfect for fans of...

  • The Twelve Dates of Christmas synopsis, comments

    The Twelve Dates of Christmas

    Lisa Dickenson

    Prepare to fall in love this Christmas with the ultimate festive romance . . .'A perfect Christmas treat' MIRANDA DICKINSON'Sprinkled with humour, warmth and, of course, Christmas...

  • One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill synopsis, comments

    One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill

    Mandy Baggot

    A feelgood festive romance to curl up with this Christmas'Magical, heartmelting fiction at its best!' Samantha TongeImagine the perfect Christmas Kiss…His strong arms around her wa...

  • Horse Play synopsis, comments

    Horse Play

    Jo Carnegie

    If you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Funny, saucy escapism' Heat'Sexy, sassy and scandal...

  • Naked Truths synopsis, comments

    Naked Truths

    Jo Carnegie

    If you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Sexy, sassy and scandalous...Hilarious stuff!' Glam...

  • Abundance synopsis, comments

    Abundance

    Ezra Klein

    From bestselling authors and journalistic titans, Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, Abundance is a onceinageneration, paradigmshifting call to rethink big, entrenched problems that se...

  • Wild Things synopsis, comments

    Wild Things

    Jo Carnegie

    Much loved author, Jo Carnegie, brings us another riveting and raunchy read a really steamy, romantic and hilarious indulgence that fans of Jilly Cooper will adore...'Fabulous... ...

  • Excess Baggage synopsis, comments

    Excess Baggage

    Judy Astley

    Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect fo...

  • Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe synopsis, comments

    Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe

    Annette Hannah

    'Brimming with friendship and romance, this lovely book will charm your heart' Milly JohnsonFall in love with this heartwarming and emotional romcom, perfect for fans of Rebecca Ra...

  • The Little Cottage in Lantern Square synopsis, comments

    The Little Cottage in Lantern Square

    Helen Rolfe

    Looking for a fresh start? Welcome to Butterbury... A delightfully heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Hepburn and Cathy BramleyStep into the magic of Lantern Square... H...

  • Red Sparrow Trilogy eBook Boxed Set synopsis, comments

    Red Sparrow Trilogy eBook Boxed Set

    Jason Matthews

    Red Sparrow is now a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton!Now available in a single collection, the complete electrifying New York Times bestselling tr...

  • Finding Love at the Christmas Market synopsis, comments

    Finding Love at the Christmas Market

    Jo Thomas

    'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi SwainResidentialhome caterer Connie has had one onlined...

  • A Place to Begin Again synopsis, comments

    A Place to Begin Again

    Kate Field

    Running away can be the answer, if you run to the right place. . .'A treasure of a book' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'A lovely heartwarming read with a beautiful setting' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ read...

  • Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies synopsis, comments

    Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies

    Ali McNamara

    Meteorologist Sky Matthews does not like surprises.Sky monitors her life like she does the weather, carefully and with a scientific eye. So, when she misses out on her dream job ab...

  • Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood synopsis, comments

    Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood

    Ali McNamara

    An Ali McNamara novel is the perfect escape.Welcome to Bluebell Wood where the sun shines, the locals are kind and there's something more than a little bit magical about the place....

  • Sleepless in Sicily synopsis, comments

    Sleepless in Sicily

    Emma Jackson

    Under the starry Italian skies, anything can happen...For most women, getting locked into a storeroom with movie star and undeniable heartthrob Rowan during a preproduction shoot i...

  • The Xmas Factor synopsis, comments

    The Xmas Factor

    Annie Sanders

    Thank goodness Christmas comes just once a year...! 'A heartwarming and sparkly comedy ideal for the time of year' WOMAN'S OWN'A funny festive read' HEAT'A book you'll enjoy long ...

  • The Sweetest Thing synopsis, comments

    The Sweetest Thing

    Cathy Woodman

    The third novel in Cathy Woodman's hugely popular Talyton St George series.Each book in the Talyton St George series can be read as a standalone novel, but when Cathy first had the...

  • The Legacy of Halesham Hall synopsis, comments

    The Legacy of Halesham Hall

    Jenni Keer

    'A compelling gothic feast of a novel full of intrigue, secrets and passion' RACHEL HORE'A fiendishly clever book with as many twists and turns as the mysterious Halesham Hall its...

  • Footy Banners synopsis, comments

    Footy Banners

    Matthew Hagias

    Celebrating one of AFL's longeststanding and most iconic traditions Have you ever wondered what makes Australian Rules Football so unique? Sure, the rules are unmistakably differen...

  • The Winter That Made Us synopsis, comments

    The Winter That Made Us

    Kate Field

    Readers LOVE Kate's captivating tales:'This emotional rollercoaster has magical moments and is a feelgood read, perfect for the Christmas season' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautiful, poignant s...

  • Celebrations at the Chateau synopsis, comments

    Celebrations at the Chateau

    Jo Thomas

    'So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!' Milly Johnson'Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?' Katie FfordeAn enchanting French chateau and a handsome town ma...

  • Red Sparrow synopsis, comments

    Red Sparrow

    Jason Matthews

    Now a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton! From the New York Times bestselling author and veteran CIA officer Jason Matthews comes the electrifying mo...

  • The Truth About You, Me and Us synopsis, comments

    The Truth About You, Me and Us

    Kate Field

    Readers LOVE Kate's uplifting romances!'This was such a beautifully written, heartwarming story. All the characters, major and minor, were so perfectly drawn I felt like I knew th...

  • The Secrets of Hawthorn Place synopsis, comments

    The Secrets of Hawthorn Place

    Jenni Keer

    'This is definitely up there as one of the best books that I have read. It's got a special place in my heart. Just amazing!' 5 reader review'Gorgeous! Exuberant writing, convincing...

  • A Season in the Snow synopsis, comments

    A Season in the Snow

    Isla Gordon

    'Heartwarming and full of hope. I loved it' HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author 'The most beautiful, heartwarming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely bo...

  • Winter Warmers synopsis, comments

    Winter Warmers

    Carole Matthews

    Curl up with three festive short stories from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Christmas for BeginnersAll I Want for Christmas is YouChristmas is around the corner but Maria ...

  • If Harry Met Sally Again synopsis, comments

    If Harry Met Sally Again

    Annie Robertson

    The perfect feelgood romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally for the 21st centuryCan you write your own happy ending...?When Nina discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, s...

  • A Day at the Beach Hut synopsis, comments

    A Day at the Beach Hut

    Veronica Henry

    Escape to the coast with this delicious collection of short stories and beachhut inspired recipes from Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry the perfect summer treat!'Bea...

  • Boyfriend by Christmas synopsis, comments

    Boyfriend by Christmas

    Jenny Stallard

    Get cosy this Christmas with the utterly heartwarming and hilarious romcom perfect for the cold nights'A totally relatable 21st century fairytale!' 5 Reader Review'If you love Chri...

  • MAX PAYNE synopsis, comments

    MAX PAYNE

    Martin Matthews

    Max Payne is a man with nothing to lose in the violent, cold urban night. A fugitive cop framed for murder, and now hunted by cops and the mob. Max is a man with his back against t...

  • Summer in the City synopsis, comments

    Summer in the City

    Emma Jackson

    The heartwarming new holiday read from the bestselling author of A Mistletoe MiracleSometimes the one thing you're looking for is right in front of you... Stephen is on a very pe...

  • Seven For A Secret synopsis, comments

    Seven For A Secret

    Judy Astley

    If you like Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, you will love this brilliantly funny romantic comedy buzzing with speculation and scandal from bestselling author Judy As...

  • Broken Glory synopsis, comments

    Broken Glory

    Ed Sanders & Rick Veitch

    Bobby Kennedy's last campaignan homage to a leader who might have changed history and a reconstruction of the conspiracy to stop him, in a magisterial feat of epic investigative po...

  • A Farmhouse in Tuscany synopsis, comments

    A Farmhouse in Tuscany

    Victoria Springfield

    'A horseride through Tuscany, charming characters, a rustic farmhouse and love in the air' FIVE STARSWith the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside the characters come alive with a l...