He became John Major's most trusted lieutenant, and held a unique and trusted place at the very heart of the crumbling Conservative government. Brian Mawhinney offers his observations of the final weeks of power and his understandings of the reasons for their defeat at the polls. His account reveals a man schooled in the art of political controversy. Finding himself 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 in this unique book. 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. Family policy and Christian education reform all became hot potatoes he had to handle.