The Media

Abstract

The role of the media in the Northern Ireland peace process has played a central role in the presentation and interpretation of political change. Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam described how ‘the media were always an important dimension to consider’ and ‘at times seemed like another participant at the talks table’ (2002: 80), while talks Chairman Senator George Mitchell saw the media as important both for parties trying to advance their negotiating position, and for increasing hostility among the participants, as each responded to accusations and attacks that were communicated routinely through the press (Mitchell 1999: 62). All the main political players in the peace process have sought to use the media to their advantage and position themselves as credible representatives of their respective communities. Some parties, such as Sinn Fein, have used the media particularly well and have moved quickly to manage the party’s profile within the new terrain of policy articulation that the peace process has now created (Spencer 2006b). The media, for Sinn Fein, has been an extension of the party’s internal cohesion and discipline and provided the space for its political leaders to portray themselves as respectable political spokespersons. In turn, the media has provided the arena where parties can convey their organisational and presentational skills, and has allowed each to communicate both with a variety of communities and with political opponents.