Product Description

In David Cameron's review of the first edition of this book, he praised its 'road map for a sustained Conservative recovery' and is now following its prescription, leading to a successful Tory revival. Revised and significantly expanded this is the first book to consider Cameron and the Tories' future. Calling the first edition 'a compelling, and often persuasive read', David Cameron's detailed review of "After Blair" has been held up by the "Guardian" as the best description of his policies yet. His strong association with the book continued when he referred to it in his famous Keith Joseph lecture last spring. In this revised and expanded edition, O'Hara places Cameron in the context of Conservative history, explaining Cameron's intellectual and political roots in a way that no other book has. Including new, exclusive interviews with Cameron's principal advisors and strategists, a summary of the threat from the right to the Tories' new direction, and an analysis of Cameron's potential, this is the essential book on British politics today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172844 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 390 pages

Review
"'A lucid introduction to Conservative philosophy. It is lightly done, and rather refreshing' Independent 'A passionate and fascinating book' The Sunday Times 'An elegant and well-argued book' New Statesman 'A masterly study of the Conservative dilemma' New Humanist"

Independent on Sunday
A lucid introduction to Conservative philosophy. It is lightly done, and rather refreshing

New Humanist
A masterly study of the Conservative dilemma

Customer Reviews

David Cameron and the conservative philosophical tradition
"David Cameron is like a hollow Easter egg, with no bag of sweets inside. He's nothing. He's no one." - Charlie Brooker, The Guardian, 2 April 2007.

While Labourite critics of David Cameron would like us to believe that he is all style over substance, Kieron O'Hara's book brilliantly illustrates how Cameron's ideas are in common with traditional (small c!) conservative philosophy and that he does indeed remain true to solid principles.

From the Sceptics and Phyrrhonists in ancient Greece via Montaigne, Edmund Burke and David Hume "After Blair" sets out how conservative thinking has developed and examines the nature of the Conservative Party from the 19th century to the present day.

O'Hara states that the central tenets of conservatism are the change principle and the knowledge principle. The 20th century was characterised by zealous political movements from the Communists and Fascists in the 1930s to the neo-conservativism towards the end of the century.

Conservative thinkers suggests that human societies can never be as perfect and efficient as political radicals would like them to be as humans are by nature flawed. Therefore any programmes to change the structure should be carefully considered. A change to make things better may not always have desired result and conservatives would prefer to retain traditions if they are of benefit.

The knowledge principle states that humans can never be certain that a programme of ideas is right. Conservatives will always be sceptical of grand schemes to reform society but this does not mean that they refuse to innovate.

O'Hara examines policy statements, speeches and actions Cameron has taken since he became leader of the Conservative Party and whether he holds true to the conservatism defined in his book. By stepping out of the shadow of Thatcher's neo-liberalism, criticising Blair over the war in Iraq and identifying the roots of social disorder in the UK Cameron has demonstrated that there is substance despite the media focus on style.