Against the Tide

Against the Tide, an autobiography of Noel Christopher Browne, is a story told with honesty and great emotion, the narrative of a life in which tragedy and good fortune succeeded each other with bewildering speed. After training as a doctor, Noel Browne experienced at first hand the devastating ravages of T.B. (tuberculosis) both personally and professionally. Drawn to politics, he was appointed Minister for Health on his first day in the Dail at the age of thirty three. His single-minded campaign for reform of the health system, especially the Mother and Child Scheme of 1951, encountered the strenuous opposition of both the Catholic Church and the medical establishment. Abandoned by his party colleagues, he embarked on a stormy political career over the following thirty years. Well known but at times a highly controversial public representative, Browne managed to be a TD for five different political parties (two of which he co-founded): Clann na Poblachta (resigned), Fianna Fail (expelled), National Progressive Democrats (co-founder), Labour Party (resigned) and the Socialist Labour Party (co-founder). For nearly forty years, Noel Browne's name has been synonymous with political controversy. He was idolised by his supporters, demonised by those who opposed him. Against the Tide was an instant bestseller on its publication in 1986. It has become a classic political memoir - subjective, passionate, controversial and beautifully written.