Gerry Adams reveals "best-kept secrets" of the peace process in his first cook book

This week, Gerry Adams spoke to the Dundalk Democrat about his latest book “The Negotiator's Cookbook” which has just been released.

The light-hearted cookbook, with an introduction in both English and Irish, is a mix of traditional recipes such as soups, pies and desserts as well as stories which featured during the deeply historic period of the Irish peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

What motivated you to write the cookbook?

“Over the years many books have been written by journalists, academics, and some of the participants, including myself, about the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

“Who participated, who said what to whom, and when, and what was agreed and not agreed. The Negotiator's Cookbook was never intended to deal with that sort of detail. Its purpose is to tell the story of the best-kept secret of the peace process.

“That is how to feed a Sinn Féin negotiating team during the days or weeks of a negotiation? This is not a frivolous matter. Negotiators need their strength.”

Gerry also talked about his two companions on his cookbook writing journey, Ted Howell and Pádraig Wilson.

“The Negotiator's Cookbook details the efforts of two of our team, Ted Howell and Pádraic Wilson to sustain us with food – good, nourishing, wholesome food - during the years of high level negotiations and it includes many of their recipes.

“Ted is a first class cook while Pádraig Wilson is a master baker.”

Gerry continued by highlighting the success of the cookbook so far.

“It was intended as a bit of fun, if the positive response to the cookbook and the video we posted to launch it is anything to go by, then I think we have succeeded in that.”

How did you find the transition from TD to author, (if any)?

“The Negotiator's Cookbook is my 16th book. Over the years I have managed to juggle my writing efforts with the demands of being an elected MP, MLA and now TD for Louth. It can be difficult, especially when a political crisis and a deadline for delivering a manuscript collide. But thus far I have managed to navigate this successfully and I hope to continue to do this in the time ahead. I am currently working on a book of short stories.”

Do you think the cookbook will be popular among members of your constituency?
“I have discovered over the years that all sorts of people buy and read my books. I’m pleased to say that I have developed a loyal community of readers – a readership which I am very grateful for.
“That includes lots of people from Louth and East Meath.”

Have you received any feedback from the launch of the book so far, and how do you feel about it?
“The response thus far has been very good. It is always satisfying when something your write becomes a topic of conversation or a social media story.
“The little video has had lots of hits and people seemed to like it and that’s good. We shouldn’t take everything in our lives too seriously. There has to be humour and fun and laughter.”

How did you find writing a cookbook in comparison to your other, more factual books?
“I enjoyed writing the cookbook, my own favourite writing is fiction, like The Street. But writing stories takes a lot of time-space to day-dream.
“The Cookbook is meant to be quirky and practical.”

Adams went on to thank his team who contributed to the writing and editing of the cookbook.

“It is dedicated to the late Siobhan O’Hanlon and the Sinn Féin negotiations team, especially Ted and Padraic.
“It is a tribute to them. While the rest of us would go home and head to our beds for some sleep, Ted and Padraic would be in their kitchens preparing for the next day. So, thanks to both. And thanks also to all of those who helped in the compiling and publication of the Negotiators Cookbook.“

As it’s coming up to Christmas, who would you recommend getting the book for?
“Anyone who likes good food or likes to make good food will enjoy this book. There’s something in it for everyone.
“The recipes are simple but tasty. With it you have the opportunity to try out the recipes and the dishes that fed the Sinn Fein negotiating team. They would grace any dinner table.”

Where can anyone interested find this book?
“If you’re interested in purchasing a copy for yourself or a copy for someone’s Christmas stockings it is available at www.sinnfeinbookshop.com”

The launch for “The Negotiator's Cookbook”, takes place at An Táin Arts Centre on Thursday December 6 at 7pm. All are welcome.