This text provides an introduction to the multi-faceted nature of the politics of Northern Ireland. It has been written in response to the moves for peace currently being made by all parties involved in the conflict.

PrefaceAcknowledgementsList of ContributorsMapsSection 1: Twentieth Century History1. Northern Ireland 1921-682. Northern Ireland 1968-723. Northern Ireland 1972-95Section 2: Ideas and Movements4. Unionism5. Nationalism6. Labour and left politics7. In search of common groundSection 3: Parties and Elections8. Political parties: (1) Elections and strategies9. Political parties: (2) Structures and platformsSection 4: Administration10. Anglo-Irish relations11. Northern Ireland economy12. Northern Ireland and the European Union13. Equal Opportunities for women14. Filling in the gap: policy and pressure under direct ruleSection 6: Aspects of Society15. Paramilitarism16. The media17. The arts and sports18. Churches, society and conflict in Northern Ireland19. The numbers game: the demographic context of politics20. Frameworks and the futureAppendix 1Chronology of events 1920-95Appendix 2AbbreviationsAppendix 3BibliographyIndex