During the three months of negotiations that led to the formation of the Fine Gael/Independent minority coalition in 2016, Fitzgerald was a near permanent presence outside Government Buildings and was subjected to two 'video bombs' while live on air.
[5] [6] She was widely praised for her professionalism in continuing with her broadcasts but, based on security concerns, RTÉ changed its policy for on-street political reporting.
Other favourable reviews noted: 'Whether you have no interest in politics, or are fully engaged, this is an essential read’ (Sunday Independent);[17] and ‘Fitzgerald’s fascinating work [does] not disappoint’ (Irish Examiner).
[18] The Sunday Times described the book as a 'highly readable digest' based on Fitzgerald's interviews with 17 of the 19 women have been appointed to cabinet positions in the history of the Irish state, 'with the missing two being the late Eileen Desmond and Constance Markievicz.
[22] Former Irish Times editor - and former Progressive Democrat TD - Geraldine Kennedy criticized the book's title, and claimed that ‘by accident or design it does a disservice’ to the former ministers and presidents interviewed by Fitzgerald.
'[13] Novelist Cecelia Ahern praised Fitzgerald’s book in social media postings in December 2018: ‘Whether you’re interested in politics or not, this is a fascinating informative read...
Thoroughly enjoying it & feeling inspired by the journeys of these remarkable women, many of whom I’ve known & admired since childhood.’[26] In interviews following its publication, Fitzgerald described the process of writing her book as 'gruelling and torturous.