Aspects of government and governance in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Considers a political economy dimension to government and governance in Northern Ireland. Political economy looks at the interrelationship between politics and economics in a more complex political system as with devolved government in Northern Ireland. Written prior to the elections of May 1996, offers a background to the intriguing task of how to unravel the circumstances under which the citizens of Northern Ireland will confer legitimacy, that is, the circumstances under which they as citizens and voters do things because they think them right, correct, justified or worthy. The possibility of a prolonged and protracted period of negotiations is now a reality. Like so many other troubled places on earth, Northern Ireland needs politicians with vision. Asks if the representatives of the paramilitaries, the parapoliticians, can deliver that vision.