For most of World War II the two most important international organisations in the world were headed by Irish citizens: Seán Lester and Edward Phelan. The Irish Influence traces the careers and legacies of these two contrasting diplomats  who played a significant role in the development of international relations and multilateralism in the twentieth century.

Seán Lester was an important actor in the League of Nations, rising to become Secretary-General. He led the organisation in its most difficult years approaching and during World War II. Edward Phelan joined the International Labour Organization as ‘the first international civil servant’ and became Director-General.

Lester was a northern Protestant and one-time member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Phelan was a southern Catholic and Irish Parliamentary Party supporter.  Both were committed citizens of Ireland and international peace-builders. Their legacy is testimony to the Irish influence in the politics of international institutions.

On the centenary of the Irish Free State joining the League of Nations in 1923, their story reveals how important a role a small independent state like Ireland played – and could continue to play – in progressive international relations.

As Ireland marks the centenary of its joining the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization, the roles played by both Seán Lester and Edward Phelan, as two Irish citizens who were pioneers in international development and multilateralism, are roles that should be brought to the attention of Irish citizens and indeed anyone with an interest in these important international organisations and indeed in multilateralism and its historical development.

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

The importance of the book lies not only in the details of historical facts, which few know or remember, but also in bringing alive the personalities who have shaped the destinies of their countries and the world.

Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy at the United Nations, ILO Director-General (2012-2022)

About the author: Gerry Finnegan worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) for more than twenty years, based in Zambia, Guyana, Thailand, and at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

ISBN 978-1-914318-21-4 Hardback with dust jacket 240 x 162mm, xxii + 232 pages + 16 pages of photographs, colour, index. Published 20th June 2023.