Stephen Collins has been reporting on politics for the past 40 years and has written a number of books about Irish political history. He currently writes a column for The Irish Times, having been Political Editor of the paper from 2006 to 2016. His most recent book was recognised as the definitive account of Ireland’s role in the Brexit negotiations amid the departure of the UK from the European Union.

Background and Career
Raised in Dublin, he went to school at Oatlands College in Stillorgan and continued his studies at UCD, where he graduated with a BA in History and Politics and an MA in Politics. He began his journalistic career with the Irish Press Group and was appointed political correspondent of the Sunday Press in 1987. He subsequently became political editor of the Sunday Tribune before joining The Irish Times as a columnist and political correspondent in 2005. He has also contributed articles to History Ireland.

Books
Stephen Collins has written several books on Irish politics and political history, including:

• Ireland’s Call: How Brexit Got Done (2024)
• Saving the State: Fine Gael from Collins to Varadkar (2020), with Ciara Meehan
• Breaking the Mould: How the PDs Changed Irish Politics (2006)
• The Power Game: Ireland Under Fianna Fáil (2001)
• The Cosgrave Legacy (1996)
• Spring and the Labour Story (1993)
• The Haughey File: The Unprecedented Career and Last Years of the Boss (1992)

Journalism Awards and Notable Achievements
During his career, Stephen Collins won a number of national journalism awards, including Print Journalist of the Year in 1992, and an ESB National Media Award for best analysis and comment in 1998. He was also a member of the New Ireland Forum that examined potential solutions to the Troubles in Northern Ireland.