The Politics of Northern Ireland (Politics Study Guides)

The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice. Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) will be evaluated, and the book will conclude with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing. Readers will gain: An impartial understanding of Northern Irish politics The confidence to use some of the more complicated political concepts in their study of the subject An ability to go beyond understanding and analyse, question and discuss Northern Irish politics Edinburgh University Press The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice.

Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) is evaluated, and the book concludes with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing.

Key Features

* Presents an impartial view of Northern Irish politics
* Gives readers the confidence to use some of the more complicated political concepts in their study of the subject
* Encourages readers to analyse, question and discuss Northern Irish politics GBS_insertPreviewButtonPopup('ISBN:9780748625017');The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice.Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) is evaluated, and the book concludes with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing.Key FeaturesPresents an impartial view of Northern Irish politicsGives readers the confidence to use some of the more complicated political concepts in their study of the subjectEncourages readers to analyse, question and discuss Northern Irish politics" The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice. Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) is evaluated, and the book concludes with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing. -- Provided by publisher This book provides an up-to-date and accessible overview of politics in Northern Ireland from the outbreak of the 'Troubles' in the late 1960s. As well as looking at the background to the conflict, it explores the more recent political developments which led to agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein and the restoration of devolved power sharing government in 2007. Its chapters cover: theories of the conflict; historical context; divisions between the unionist and nationalist communities; the failed political initiatives leading up to the peace process of the 1990s; the institutional framework of the Good Friday Agreement; and, political developments following the St Andrews Agreement of 2006 and restoration of devolution in 2007. Accessibly written, the book has been designed to meet the requirements of student courses with key information displayed in summary boxes and tables. It will be of value to readers interested in conflict resolution and politics in Northern Ireland COVER 1 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Boxes 9 Tables 10 Introduction 12 1. Theoretical Perspectives on the Northern Ireland Conflict 18 2. Background to the Conflict 32 3. Political Parties and Paramilitaries in Northern Ireland 55 4. Finding a solution: from Sunningdale to the Framework Documents 82 5. British and Irish Government Policy 102 6. Peace Process to Good Friday Agreement 125 7. Institutional Framework of the Agreement 143 8. Towards Restored Devolution 168 Notes 189 Bibliography 198 Index 202