Understanding a Fraught Historical Relationship

Abstract

This chapter provides an historic overview of policing and the rule of law in Northern Ireland and the violent antagonistic relationship Irish republicanism has traditionally had with it. It traces the development of this problematic relationship from the earliest use of the colonial policy of plantation, through to the fostering of ‘divided society’ policing following the partition of the island of Ireland and the creation of a ‘Protestant state for a Protestant people’, eventually culminating in the open armed confrontation between the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and Irish republican armed groups during the most recent phase of conflict in the six counties. Linking the issue of policing to the prevailing political climate, the chapter closes by examining how the issue of policing was addressed in respect of the wider transition then taking place in Northern Ireland. It analyses how Irish republicans adapted their position on and attitude towards policing and the rule of law in tandem with a changing political relationship with the Northern Ireland state following the Good Friday Agreement (GFA).