NCJ Number
117114
Journal
Modern Law Review Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 605-622
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Options to attain democracy and justice and minimize political violence in Northern Ireland are examined.
Abstract
The achievement of democracy and justice in Northern Ireland is viewed by some as hopeless, since the province's existence is founded on a sectarian goal to achieve a Protestanthegemony. One of the leading exponents of this view is the Sinn Fein Party, which has begun to contest elections at all levels in Northern Ireland, with some success; Sinn Fein members are represented in government councils. Despite different origins of Sinn Fein and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the fact that the IRA revoked its formal allegiance to Sinn Fein in 1925, a symbiotic relationship between the two groups exists and has been cemented by a substantial overlap of leaders and members. England's reaction to Sinn Fein has wavered between collusion and intolerance; Sinn Fein operates as a legitimate political party but its activities have been increasingly suppressed. Proscription cannot be easily justified as a method for preventing political violence; the only claim that can by made for proscription is that it provides a positive disincentive to youthful potential recruits. The main effect of three forms of restriction on Sinn Fein (oaths, disqualifications, and declarations) will be to curtail the chance of electoral participation by Sinn Fein members. It is concluded that there is no justification for either proscription or the three forms of restriction and that political reform and dialogue are needed in Northern Ireland rather than political repression. 13 references.