The Governor - Softcover

In his talks to communities throughout the length and breath of Ireland, John Lonergan finds himself coming back to one theme: the importance of kindness. It is an unexpected theme for the former boss of Ireland's biggest and toughest prison, Mountjoy, but then John Lonergan is an unusual man.

John entered the prison service in 1968 and in the years that followed, as he saw human nature at its worst - and often, unexpectedly, at its best - he developed a deep understanding both of human nature and of Irish society.

Now, after 42 years in the service, 26 of them as the most senior prison officer in the country, John tells his fascinating life story - from his idyllic childhood in rural Tipperary, to coming face to face with the ugliest face of Irish life, to grappling with the politics of working in a service that was the plaything of officials and politicians. His description of life in the prison service is not only a gripping account of humanity at its rawest, but also an invaluable primer for anyone in top level management.

Revealing, surprising and inspiring The Governor gives a unique insight into modern Ireland.

'Honest, forthright and highly readable ... lightened by Lonergan's innate faith in humanity' Irish Times

After forty-two years in the Irish prison service, twenty-four of them as the most senior prison officer in the country, John Lonergan tells his fascinating life story. Revealing, surprising and inspiring The Governor gives a unique insight into modern Ireland.

'Lonergan is a man apart. I have seen him at work in the prison system, and believe me, he is no namby-pamby liberal pushover' Joe Duffy, Irish Mail on Sunday

'Extraordinary ... a remarkable eyewitness account of both the worst of human nature and the best. It is about failings, successes, compassion, violence, ignorance, resilience, crime, punishment and forgiveness. It is also an insightful guide to handling a crisis, managing people, resolving conflicts and learning from your mistakes. Any one of these topics could be tiresome in the wrong hands. It is testament to Lonergan's wisdom and unshaking belief in human goodness and dignity that he blends them all into a captivating read.' Sunday Busines Post

'Distinguished by its humanity ... compelling ... a social document wrapped up as a personal story, which makes it highly readable' Sunday Tribune

'A man with a humane and progressive outlook' Irish Independent

'Deeply personal, deeply humane, deeply revealing and, in some places, rightly angry' Irish Catholic

'Illuminating ... While he shows an admirable level of self-criticism, Lonergan meets many of the criticisms directed at him head-on' The Phoenix