AN ELUSIVE AGENDA - THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MIDDLE GROUND IN NORTHERN-IRELAND

Any potential resolution to the conflict in Northern ireland depends o n the deconstruction of the stereotypical ethnic distinction between C atholic/Nationalist/Republican and Protestant/Unionist/British and ass ociated notions of zero-sum territoriality. This paper discusses some of the evidence for more diverse, pluralist and inclusive conceptualiz ations of identity, which might be reflected in accommodationist polit ical alignments. Particular attention is given to the influence of cla ss and to the fracturing of identity into its constituents of politica l allegiance, citizenship, cultural or ethnic nationalism and constitu tional preference, all of which are not necessarily expressed coherent ly or consistently within any one individual's socio-political behavio ur. The paper concludes that there are indications-albeit very diverse -of accommodationism, but that these are not yet reflected in any cohe rent political form.