Devolution and Constitutional Change in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This edited volume brings together researchers from the ESRC Devolution and Constitutional Change programme, whose projects examined Northern Ireland either exclusively or as part of a comparative project, and other established experts in the field. The book aims to assess the Northern Ireland experience from four key perspectives. First, it considers the inextricable link between devolution and constitutional developments, to which Bogdanor refers. Second, it examines how the main political parties responded to devolution and the major challenges faced by society in moving beyond conflict (such as political symbolism, the role of women, equality and human rights issues). Third, it attempts to assess some of the outworkings of devolved government in its short-lived form or those seeded in devolution and carried on by direct rule ministers. Finally, Northern Ireland devolved government and associated institutions are located within the wider relationships with Westminster, the Republic of Ireland and Europe. The specific contributions of authors are considered in more detail.