Abstract
The seventy-eight members of the Northern Ireland Convention started with at least one thing in common: a strong desire to resolve political differences by discussions among elected representatives rather than by gun battles among the many armed forces within the Province. The institutions of representative government give elected politicians their influence and legitimacy. A settlement obtained in debate and negotiation confirms the status of conventional party politicians; resolving differences by force is a repudiation of their position.
It would surely be better, Mr. Speaker, to give up not only a part, but if necessary, even the whole, of our ConÂstitution, to preserve the remainder.
Sir Boyle Roche in Parliament at Dublin, c. 1790
The air is thick with political impossibilities.
Irish Times, 17 September 1975
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1976 American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Rose, R. (1976). In Search of a Settlement. In: Northern Ireland. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-15721-1_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-15721-1_7
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-19732-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-15721-1
eBook Packages: Palgrave Political & Intern. Studies CollectionPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)