Some Aspects of the Social and Political Consequences of EC Economic Involvement in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This article examines how the European Community is economically involved in the regeneration of Northern Ireland's economic fabric, and tries to assess some of the social and political consequences that are beginning to emerge. It appears that there has been a shift in the perception of the European Community, as public opinion in Northern Ireland seems much more pro-European than it used to be. In the meantime, the dynamics of European integration and the way EC aids have been delivered to Northern Ireland have generated a feeling among professional people and local politicians that Northern Ireland needs were not fully met. These developments have led to a consensus on the need for Northern Ireland direct representation in Brussels. The European dimension has thus created common ground for the conflicting parties of Northern Ireland, and common goals could be pursued through some form of regionalism. Yet, in spite of strong economic trends likely to stimulate co-operation between the two northern communities and between the North and the South of the island, there is a risk that the two traditions pursue their ideological aspirations through the new channels created by the economic involvement of the European Community.