Description
This volume explores in detail the theme of change within the major political traditions of Ireland. It adopts a dual approach, in which a set of leading politicians examines the theme of change within particular traditions, followed by a corresponding set of contributions from academic observers. Change has been especially marked in the constitutional nationalist tradition within Northern Ireland, which is examined from different perspectives by Alban Maginess and Jennifer Todd. It has been even more pronounced in the republican tradition, however, which is discussed from the standpoints of politician and academic commentator by Mitchel McLaughlin and Paul Arthur. Two strands of unionism are analysed using the same formula. Thus Dermot Nesbit and Richard English focus on the complex and fascinating pattern of change within Ulster unionism. Then the even more remarkable shift in direction within militant loyalism is assessed by one of its main architects, David Ervine, and by academic analyst James McAuley. Finally, Desmond O'Malley and Tom Garvin examine the pattern of change in the south.John Coakley provides a detailed introduction to constitutional innovation and political change in 20th-century Ireland, and the appendix contains selected political documents outlining the various perspectives on the future of Northern Ireland.
Introduction - constitutional innovation and political change in twentieth-century Ireland, John Coakley. Part 1, Political perspectives
- Redefining northern nationalism, Alban Maginness MLA
Redefining republicanism, Mitchell McLaughlin MLA
Redefining unionism, David Ervine
Redefining Ireland
- a sounthern viewpoint, Desmond O'Malley
Part 2, Academic perspectives
- The reorientation of constitutional nationalism, Jennifer Todd
The transformation of republicanism, Paul Arthur
The growth of new unionism, Richard English
The emergence of new loyalism, James McAuley
The fading of traditional nationalism in the Republic of Ireland, Tom Garvin
Conclusion
- new strains of unionism and nationalism, John Coakley
Appendix, Perspectives on the future of Northern Ireland
- selected political documents.
"Thought provoking."
Sunday Tribune Dec 2002
"John Coakley and UCD Press have put together a useful and timely volume reflecting on the changing nature of unionism and nationalism in Ireland."
Irish Political Studies 18 (1) 2003
"Coakley, who has made major contributions to the study of nationalism in Europe, has ably edited this volume ... a useful collection emphasising the continuing importance of nationalism in Ireland and elsewhere."
Political Studies Review 1 (3) 2003
"Coakley presents a positive vision for the working of the Good Friday agreement, with the development of ‘north-south' and ‘east-west' linkages, within the overall context of a European Union."
Irish Democrat Sept 2003
"contributes valuable material to a growing body of literature on the recent peace process and scholarship on nationalism, identity, and citizenship more generally. The editor's excellent general introduction and conclusion fill in conceptual and contextual gaps; political documents ... are included in the appendix. Highly recommended."
CHOICE March 2004
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