“A Protestant Parliament and a Protestant State”, Northern Irish Prime Minister James Craig,1934 Northern Ireland

The Troubles “Civil Rights” movement pushed for better treatment of Catholics in the 1960s. This provoked sectarian conflict which led to direct rule from Britain, the introduction of the British Army and the (re-)emergence of the Irish Republican Army.

Source: Malcolm Sutton

Ulster Unionist Party Ruled Northern Ireland until the “Troubles”. Traditionally linked to the Orange Order, which protects and celebrates Northern Irish Protestantism. Now smaller than its upstart rival the DUP. Orangemen dressed for a parade

Democratic Unionist Party Originally represented uncompromising unionists. DUP founder, Ian Paisley DUP now shares government with Sinn Féin and other parties.

Social Democratic and Labour Party Moderate nationalist party David Trimble (left, UUP) John Hume (right, SDLP) with Nobel Peace Prize medals

Sinn Féin Nationalist Party, political wing of Irish Republican Army. In the 1990s, the party decided to officially abandon violence and unofficially to accept that Irish unity was unachievable in the foreseeable future. Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Féin

The Good Friday Agreement 1.Within Northern Ireland Democratic Institutions Human Rights and Equality Decommissioning Prisoner Releases 2. Northern Ireland and the Republic Amendment of Irish Constitution North/South Ministerial Council 3. Britain and Ireland British Irish Council: Rep. of Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK, Wales, Scotland Formalisation of existing relationship between British and Irish governments.

Decision-making in the Northern Ireland Assembly Cross-community voting:- Parallel consent: a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists Weighted majority: 60%, including at least 40% of nationalists and 40% of unionists First and Deputy First Ministers elected on a cross-community basis, other ministries allocated proportionally to party strengths.

Seat Shares in the Northern Ireland Assembly, 2007-present

“Post-conflict” Northern Ireland IRA and loyalist groups have ended violence and decommissioned their weapons. IRA splinter groups are still active. Political institutions alternate between tense co-operation and crisis. Discrimination against Catholics largely ended under direct rule from Britain. Schools almost entirely segregated; housing and social life largely segregated