The elusive quest : reconciliation in Northern Ireland / Norman Porter.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Porter, Norman, 1952-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Northern Ireland--Politics and government--1998-.

Northern Ireland.

Politics and government.

Conflict management.

Physical Description:

290 pages ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

Belfast : Blackstaff, 2003.

Summary:

As Northern Ireland comes to terms with the nitty-gritty of the peace process, an award-winning commentator suggests a moral pathway towards a new and enlightened society. Norman Porter is one of the most respected writers on Northern Ireland politics. His book Rethinking Unionism: An Alternative Vision for Northern Ireland (Blackstaff Press, 1996) is widely credited with suggesting a shift in unionist thinking which facilitated the Good Friday Agreement. Turning his attention towards post-Agreement politics, Porter argues in this important new book that 'reconciliation matters' and that, while there are genuine problems, they are 'not of such an order that they defy the powers of human wit, imagination and determination to resolve'. At its core, the book treats reconciliation as a moral ideal which 'makes demands on how we live and think as social, political and cultural beings'. Reconciliation is, Porter grants, a 'hard taskmaster', but 'one that has the potential of resolving outstanding problems in the North'. Indispensable reading for anyone with an interest in Northern Ireland, and in broader issues of conflict resolution.

Contents:

1 Cynicism and Enthusiasm 13

2 Is Reconciliation a Good Thing? 33

3 A Balancing Act? 64

4 Fair Interactions 91

5 Possibilities of Common Ground 133

6 Northern Politics of Belonging 175

7 The Union, Unity and a Reconciled Society 216.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [278]-282) and index.

ISBN:

0856407305

OCLC:

50525307