Eoghan Murphy Reflects on Housing Failures in Candid Memoir

In a striking recollection of his political career, Eoghan Murphy, former Minister for Housing, shares the highs and lows of his time in office in his newly published memoir, “Running From Office: Confessions of Ambition and Failure in Politics.” As he revisits the moment when emergency accommodation numbers soared above 10,000 in Spring 2019, Murphy reveals a deeper introspection regarding his failures and personal struggles during a tumultuous period in Ireland’s housing crisis.

A Landmark Moment

“The 10,000 was a symbolic figure in terms of capturing my failure in the job,” Murphy reflected in his memoir, pointing to a pivotal moment when he realized he needed to reevaluate his position as minister, a role he had occupied for less than two years. This realization came amidst the backdrop of his own personal turmoil, including an unexpected ex-girlfriend’s pregnancy and subsequent heartbreak. “It was time to resign,” he acknowledged, marking the beginning of a difficult period filled with public scrutiny and personal doubts.

Murphy’s memoir, characterized by its unflinching honesty, chronicles the mental toll his political career took on him, revealing episodes of insomnia and anxiety that plagued him during his tenure. “I went prescription shopping for sleeping pills because one doctor would never give me enough,” he disclosed, shedding light on the pressures that came with holding a high-profile office in government.

Insights from a Distressed Leader

Today, Murphy is at the helm of the OSCE election observation mission in Tbilisi, Georgia, where he appears rejuvenated and content. He describes this new chapter of his life as both political yet distinct from his former role in Irish politics. Reflecting on the emotional upheaval of his ministry, he recalls the weight of criticism he faced, confessing, “I had let the criticisms bite too hard. I was panicking. I just couldn’t face it any more.”

Within the pages of “Running From Office,” Murphy candidly admits his personal failures—public perceptions, tense political climates, and his inability to uphold his original vision for housing reform. He emphasizes that self-doubt marred his decision-making process during a critical time for Irish housing policies.

“My big failures are that I didn’t manage my personal health properly,” he stated, echoing a sentiment of self-awareness that resonates with many who have faced the pressures of leadership. His narrative transcends mere political biography; it is a study in resilience in the face of relentless challenges.

The Path to Recovery

Revisiting his earlier ambitions, Murphy acknowledges mistakes in the housing policies he endorsed. He had sought to urgently address the housing crisis—efforts that included declassifying housing as a mere policy issue to one of national emergency. He highlights how the State adapted swiftly to other emergencies like severe weather and COVID-19, expressing frustration over the restrictions that curtailed housing adjustments during his administration.

Murphy’s initiatives included progressive policies aimed at increasing housing availability, such as abolishing building height caps and establishing the Land Development Agency. However, he admits that the pressure to execute these plans effectively became overwhelming. "If I had done them properly, things might have happened more quickly and people might have more faith in what I was trying to do," he reflects.

Despite some successes in the realm of housing, Murphy ultimately felt ill-equipped to manage the fallout from his failures, leading to disengagement from public life and a retreat from political responsibilities post-2020 elections.

A New Direction

After leaving politics, Murphy chose to live a private life away from the social media spotlight that had intensified scrutiny during his time in office. “When I left Ireland, I went wholly off grid,” he explained. “I just wanted to get back to myself.” His new endeavors included overseeing election missions in various countries, illustrating a significant pivot from his past, which he publicly credited as essential to his well-being.

For Murphy, “Running From Office” was not merely an expose, but a therapeutic exercise. "I found it very cathartic when I was writing it because I was really getting to grips with it from a mental health point of view," he noted. This memoir, taking six months to craft, is intended as a parting gift to the political arena—a farewell to a role he describes as both a privilege and a burden.

The book, published by Eriu at £16.99, offers valuable insights, not only into the challenges of political life but also into the importance of mental health—reminding readers that behind every public figure lies a personal journey filled with struggles and reflections.

Eoghan Murphy’s story encourages discourse about the complexities of leadership and the essential human experiences that accompany it. This memoir serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for those navigating the turbulent waters of political ambition.

As you consider the narrative of Eoghan Murphy, what aspects of his story resonate with you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections.