The history of Newfoundland is largely concerned with the codfish, that great source of wealth fought over by English, Spansh, French, Portuguese, Basque and Breton. "If it were not for wood, water and fish, Newfoundland were not worth a rush" ran an English West Country saying. Readers of this book in Ireland will look for recognition of the role of the Irish in Newfoundland's development, politics and religion. It is grudgingly given, though the records may well support the author's conclusions. One of these, arising from the 19th century rise of Catholicism in the territory, blames the Irish, led by the "incendiary priest", Bishop Fleming, for "a coarsening of political life". O'Flaherty writes: "If Newfoundland didn't turn into a transatlantic Ulster, it was no thanks to Fleming and his priests." There must have been another side to the story which the author barely mentions.
Richard Roche is an author, journalist and local historian