He became John Major's most trusted lieutenant, and held a unique and trusted place at the very heart of the crumbling Conservative government. These are Brian Mawhinney's observations of the final weeks of power and his understanding of the reasons for their defeat at the polls. The memoir reveals a man schooled in the art of political controversy. Finding himself in the rare position of being an Irishman serving in the Northern Ireland office, he quickly learnt to look after himself in the heated and entrenched conflict. Later, as a senior government minister, he gained a reputation as a political bruiser. However, another side to Brian Mawhinney is revealed, beliefs that were to drive much of his ambition and political philosophy. As a committed Christian he had to face up to the "interference" of the established Church and the Evangelical leaders with whom he had much sympathy.