For the last three decades the 'MacGill Summer School' has dealt with social, economic and cultural aspects of life in contemporary Ireland and, in particular, has reflected the transition of the economy from failure and hardship to extraordinary success. In the '2007 Summer School' the emphasis has shifted to governance and the important task of setting priorities for the next five years.The book focuses on twelve key areas including: the future of Northern Ireland; lessons from election 2007; sustaining the Celtic tiger; census 2006; providing our energy; reforming the public service; investing in education; tackling crime; saving our environment; reforming the health service; developing life in rural Ireland; and, reinforcing the European union."The Challenge for Government" features 36 leading figures in Ireland, including Enda Kenny, Brian Cowen, Prof Brendan Walsh, Peter McCloone, Colm McCarthy, Mary Hanafin, Brian Lenihan, John Gormley, Eamon Gilmore, Brian Hayes, Ruairi Quinn, Prof Brigid Laffan, Martin McGuinness, Ian Paisley Jr, Joan Burton and many more. The book will be must reading for anyone concerned about the state of contemporary Ireland.