The State of Loyalism in Northern Ireland

The State of Loyalism in Northern Ireland examines the changes and developments within parliamentary loyalism throughout the Northern Ireland peace process. Drawing from interviews with key players, it charts the drama of tensions, debates and negotiations and provides a compelling inside account. Graham Spencer's study of political loyalism and the Northern Ireland peace process is the first of its kind to explain how loyalist paramilitarism has responded to the transition from conflict to post-conflict society in Northern Ireland. Drawing from original interview material with key players in British and Irish governments, as well as intermediaries, clergy, political representatives and paramilitary leaders, Spencer weaves together a compelling contemporary political history through the perspectives of direct dialogue. Starting with a theoretical interrogation of the Unionist imagination and the factors which shape Loyalist identity, Spencer goes on to examine the architecture of the peace process and how Loyalist paramilitary organizations, along with their political representatives, reacted to wider political pressures for an end to conflict and the creation of lasting peace. Characterizing the struggles, tensions and resistance within Loyalist paramilitarism towards peace, Spencer provides a sophisticated analysis of political loyalism and its responses to social and political change in Northern Ireland "The State of Loyalism in Northern Ireland is the most important treatment of its subject undertaken in recent years.!Graham Spencer has produced a book which must be read by all serious scholars of Northern Ireland's politics and society.!a definitive book on loyalist politics and an essential addition to any reading list.' -- Professor Jon Tonge, Chair of the Political Studies Association of the UK, University of Liverpool, UK 'The State of Loyalism in Northern Ireland is a fascinating analysis that tells the little known story of the loyalist role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Graham Spencer's interviews with loyalist paramilitaries and key political actors make this an indispensable contribution to our understanding of Northern Ireland's remarkable shift from war to peace."--Dr Paul Dixon, Kingston University, UK 'A timely and important analysis of the role played by loyalism in the Northern Ireland peace process. Drawing on interviews with key actors, Graham Spencer has produced an intelligent, engaging and necessary study on loyalism and political change in Northern Ireland.' - Professor John Grieve, Independent Monitoring Commission, Belfast This Study Of Political Loyalism And The Northern Ireland Peace Process Is The First Of Its Kind To Explain How Loyalist Paramilitarism Has Responded To The Transition From Conflict To Post-conflict Society In Northern Ireland. Drawing From Original Interview Material With Key Players In British And Irish Governments As Well As Intermediaries, Clergy, Political Representatives And Paramilitary Leaders, Graham Spencer Weaves Together A Contemporary Political History Through The Perspectives Of Direct Dialogue.--jacket. Unionist Imagination -- Identity Of Loyalism -- Violence And Politics -- Peace Process Part 1 : Early Stages And Key Players -- The Peace Process Part 2 : Talks -- Towards The Good Friday Agreement -- After The Good Friday Agreement -- The Media -- Recent Developments And The Way Ahead. Graham Spencer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 257-262) And Index.