(P/B) SIN FEIN AND THE SDLP
FROM ALIENATION TO PARTICIPATION - GERARD MURRAY

The peace process and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement fundamentally changed the political landscape in Northern Ireland - despite various problems associated with the process and the deal. Both nationalist parties in the Province are committed to full implementation of the Agreeement, which offers the prospect of a more peaceful future. The extent of nationalist unity in support of the Agreement contrasts with the division among Unionists since it was signed. Historically, however, Irish nationalism has been more divided - between the constitutional form evident for most of the previous century and militant Republicanism dedicated to ending British rule in any part of Ireland. The formation in 1970 of a constitutional nationalist organisation offering a more participatory model of politics - the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) - occurred as militant Republicanism had its most significant revival since 1918, which was translated into support for the IRA and, from the 1980s, for Sinn Fein. The contest for the support of nationalists in Northern Ireland after 1970 was often bitter, but by the early 21st century political differences between the SDLP and Sinn Fein were less apparent. This book traces the evolution of the two parties' policies since their formation. It assesses the reasons for their birth, and analyses their relationship to traditional forms of Irish nationalism. The roles of John Hume and Gerry Adams in shaping the peace process are assessed. Three key questions are addressed. To what extent did either party shape the Good Friday Agreement? Did the Agreement affect the political outlook of neither party? And how accurate is it to describe the SDLP as the political winner, but the electoral loser, in the intra-nationalist competition in Northern Ireland? Sinn Fein had to travel much farther ideologically in supporting the Agreement. In contrast, the SDLP's analysis for resolving the conflict was based on ideas of partnership government with moderate Unionists, and a significant Irish dimension. Implementation of a deal on this basis has, however, been followed by electoral triumph for Sinn Fein. This change receives detailed scrutiny. (From the publisher)