The Northern Ireland Peace Process, 1985–97

Abstract

Defining what is meant by the term ‘peace process’ is logically prior to its dating; hence this chapter explores the winding down of the conflict and examines how, despite the move from bombings and shootings, political entrenchment remained untouched and communal polarisation persisted. The reason for this was that the political context in which emerging debates over equality agendas, ‘parity of esteem’, identity politics and reform and reconciliation were framed by longer-term historical trends. In particular, the basic structure of Westminster policy for restoring devolved power carried through with little change since the early 1970s — namely, an institutionalised Dublin involvement and the desirability in principle of devolved power-sharing. While these ideas continued to shape the basic tenets of unionist and nationalist policymaking, decisive changes in policy direction nevertheless took place at a lower level. In other words, during the 1990s the operation of state policy took place against a radically different background from that which had existed during the 1970s and 1980s.