Abstract This paper briefly reviews two books that includes the focus of the authors and the applicability of the works to a course on Ireland's politics and troubles. The paper uses sources: John Conroy's "Belfast Diary" and Sabine Wichert's "Northern Ireland since 1945."
From the Paper "Wichert Sabine Northern Ireland London Longman: Wichert's book focuses on the social and economic factors affecting Northern Ireland. Wichert's main theme is that the present troubles in Northern Ireland are due to the failure to resolve problems stemming from Ireland's partition. The author claims that the reforms of unionism under Terence O'Neill have been inadequate to improve the economy or the nation in any manner that appeases Catholics without offending Protestants."
Tags: Protestants, Catholics, Sinn Fein, violence, government, media
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The author summarizes the history of religious conflict in Northern Ireland and looks at the recent attempts to end decades of violence. An historical background on the troubles is detailed and includes the policy of "Home Rule," The Ireland Act of 1920, which divided Ireland into North and South, the suspension of Northern Ireland's government in 1972 and finally the successful attempts in the 1990s to broker an agreement between the two parties. The author then looks at the religious makeup of Ireland and the divisions between the Catholic and Protestant populations which, according to the author, caused politics to become a proxy for religion. The author then looks at the how the divisions in the populations of South African and Northern Ireland impeded their roads to independence.
From the Paper "About two-fifths of the population is Roman Catholic, while more than one-fifth is Presbyterian, with less than one-fifth Episcopalian (Church of Ireland); Methodists and members of other sects make up most of the remainder. The distribution of Catholics and Protestants is, however, very uneven by region . In country districts the latter are in a majority in the north and east. Elsewhere they are in a minority, though fairly highly localized. Most towns have a Protestant majority: this is the case in Belfast, where Catholics make up less than one-third of the population. Towns remote from Belfast (including Newry and Londonderry) are more than half Roman Catholic. In each of these towns themselves there is a high degree of segregation of the sects, and mixing is minimal and ?segregation increases as socioeconomic status decreases." Civil disturbances are almost always confined to locations in which segregation is highest."
An analysis of the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland 1969-1983, the reasons for being there and why they have had limited success in ending the violence.
Abstract This paper discusses how throughout history, the British Army was invariably the instrument used to suppress or combat the various uprisings and revolts of the Irish people and in particular the current occupation of Northern Ireland since 1969 in order to keep the peace between the Catholics and Protestants. It evaluates their growing presence with the increase in violence throughout the seventies and how their stated role there was ambiguous, undefined, continually changing and often ill suited for them. It examines the frustrations and attitudes of both the army and the Irish people and the growing friction between them. This paper includes as an appendix, newspaper coverage of the Bloody Sunday Massacre.
From the Paper "The British Army and Ireland have always had an interesting relationship. Throughout history both have been linked to each other in a variety of ways. The British Army was invariably the instrument used to suppress or combat the various uprisings and revolts of the Irish people. Surprisingly however Ireland has in turn been a stable source of manpower for the British Army since the eighteenth century. Young men forced by poor economic times and even starvation have continually flocked to the "Colours" of British Regiments for over two hundred years. Even since the partition of the island into the Irish Republic and Ulster, Ireland continues to provide a steady supply of recruits to "Irish Units" within the modern British Military."
Abstract Ireland's culture is diverse and extensive. This paper sheds light on many aspects that make Ireland a unique country. A heavily-sourced essay that covers the geography, culture, history, and economy of Ireland.
From the Paper "Due to rising tension and resentment of British rule over Ireland an uprising of Irish citizens began on Easter Monday April 24, 1916. Patrick Pearse read a proclamation announcing the establishment of the Irish republic under an interim government. Elsewhere in Dublin, armed men of the Irish Citizens Army took control of four key points in Dublin. The Irish Citizens Army received assistance from Germany, which was a key factor in them obtaining supplies to aid the revolution against Britain. This particular revolt was unsuccessful, yet it led the way for further revolts (Irelandseye, 2002)."
Abstract This paper examines how Morris Fraser, a child psychiatrist in Belfast, describes the effects of the "troubles" on children growing up in Northern Ireland in "Children in Conflict". It looks at how, while the book offers valuable insights for the behavioral sciences of psychology and sociology as a whole, it also succeeds in establishing the manner in which society can, consciously and unconsciously, end up perpetuating an existing social problem. In particular, it discusses how Fraser shows the role played by educational, religious, and familial and peer group structures in fostering enmity through future generations and how it is all in the name of ideology and culture.
From the Paper "Children in Conflict is an exercise in learning about not just the causes but also the consequences of the psychological molding of young children to suit sociological purposes. Fraser describes some of the horrifying effects of the troubles in Ulster on the children of Northern Ireland. He talks about how the sociological pressures of family, religion and peer pressure act as a catalyst in children learning about violence and fighting (Fraser, 16-22). The exact degree of just how potent these sociological pressures are is demonstrated by some of the verbatim quotes used by Fraser from his numerous interviews with children, which reveal the direct nature of their role and involvement in, for example, the making and use of petrol bombs and every level of street fighting."
Abstract This paper discusses the case of Deacon Blue, a twenty two year old male from Belfast who has been found in possession of drugs. The paper discusses his situation and the mitigating circumstances from both his past and present life that should affect the sentence he is given. The paper presents a pre-sentence report and offers possible alternatives to a prison term, particularly a custodial sentence.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Offender In His Or Her Life Setting
Offence Analysis
Risk Of Harm To Public And Likelihood And Re-Offending
Conclusion
From the Paper "Having assessed Deacons history, circumstances and offences I propose that a custodial sentence is unsuitable in this case. Indeed, it is likely that such a sentence would produce more negative connotations and positive ones. At the moment Deacon seems to be committed to his family and helping himself out of the current malaise. The imposition of a prison sentence would go a long way to destroying the prospects of both. In this instance, a community sentence would be more appropriate along with a clear and definitive warning that any future infractions would result in a prison term. Furthermore, as Deacon has responded well to anti drug education in the past, I would recommend that such avenues be pursued to a greater extent. It is difficult to see what logical benefit could be derived from incarceration, whether for Deacon, his family or the wider community."
Abstract Aer Lingus, the national airline of the Republic of Ireland was founded in 1936. The author of the paper describes and discusses a series of industrial disputes between Aer Lingus management and ground staff, cabin crew and pilots, that erupted in 2001. The writer describes in detail the demands of the differing sectors of employees and the reaction of management to these demands. The writer also discusses the Irish Labor Relations Commissions rulings and recommendations as they applied to the dispute. Finally, the writer looks at solutions found that led to the end of industrial actions and the decision by the Irish government to privatize the airline and its potential impact on work relations.
Outline:
Introduction
A Rescue and Survival Plan for Aer Lingus
A New Base at Belfast Breakthrough
Significant Progress Noted at Aer Lingus Negotiations
Towards the Year 2016
Improving the Situation: the Better Option
Bibliography
From the Paper "Aer Lingus was deep in debt and scheduled for privatization the year following this rush of disputes (Airline Industry Information 2002). It seemed unable to manage to cut down losses. In addition, it had to cope with the brunt of the tough operating environment after the 9/11 attacks, increased competition, industrial turbulence, the consequences of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak on travel, squabbles in the boardroom and the downward global economic trend. As a response to these calamities, management came up with a survival plan in October 2001, which required reducing the workforce by a third (Airline Industry Information)."
