The Role of Political Leadership

Abstract

Some aspects of the Northern Ireland peace process have been likened to a theatrical metaphor. In using such an analogy, it is possible to view the political leaders as the ‘cast’ in the production. This ‘cast’ included the leading actors and actresses, support actors and actresses and a chorus line. The role of the ‘cast’ in a theatrical production is usually threefold: to narrate the story, to captivate the audience and convince the audience of the plausibility of the storyline, and to make it to finishing night without any major catastrophes on set. For example, should a ‘cast’ member momentarily forget their script then some degree of improvisation might be required in order that the production does not come to a grinding halt in full view of the audience. Translating the role of the ‘cast’ into the role of political leadership during the Northern Ireland peace process should then be relatively straightforward. Arguably, their role was to narrate the nature of the unfolding peace process to their party officials, constituents and followers, the media and wider society; to convince party officials, constituents and followers, the media and wider society of the plausibility of their ‘analysis’ of the peace process; and to avert the various crises which presented themselves during the peace process. The question is how, exactly, could they do that?