1st Edition

Politics In Northern Ireland

By Paul Mitchell, Rick Wilford Copyright 1999
    352 Pages
    by Routledge

    351 Pages
    by Routledge

    Despite the staggering number of books related to the Northern Ireland political arena, most of the literature concentrates on only a few dimensions of ?the conflict? and especially on constitutional policy and the on-going search for a resolution of the antagonisms. This original textbook, the first of its kind, serves as a comprehensive examination of the subject by exploring these topics and other important dimensions of politics which have been overlooked and undervalued.Politics in Northern Ireland is written by a team of distinguished academics, drawn from both within and outside Northern Ireland. It adopts the analytic tools of political science and brings a comparative perspective to bear on the politics of Northern Ireland. Early chapters examine the historic sources of conflict, analyze the period since the outbreak of the modern troubles, and discuss the differences between the communities. The book then examines the nature of parties, elections, and elective assemblies, before focusing on policy matters, such as fair employment, policing, and gender. In the concluding chapter, contributors consider relations with the Republic of Ireland and discuss events as current as today's headlines, including the historic breakthrough in negotiations, the referendums, and the Assembly elections. The result is a well-rounded core text designed for the classroom, as well as for those interested in learning more about different facets of politics in Northern Ireland.

    Preface -- The Past in the Present -- Political Violence and the Paramilitaries -- Segmentation and the Social Structure -- The Electoral Systems -- The Party System and Party Competition -- Regional Assemblies and Parliament -- Policymaking -- Policing and Security -- Women and Politics -- Northern Ireland and the Republic -- Anglo-Irish Relations and Constitutional Policy -- “Futures” -- Epilogue

    Biography

    Paul Mitchell