From Protest to Pragmatism

About this book

Can there ever be a properly functioning relationship between two ideologically opposed states? For Ulster Unionism, that question dominated much of their thinking throughout the sixties and seventies. This book charts the development of Unionist thinking on this issue over this tumultuous period in Irish history. The intrigue and infighting that led to some of the most famous moments in our history such as the O'Neill/Lemass summit are all detailed and the ensuing paralysis that crippled the Unionist government during the troubles is highlighted. The distrust and sense of drift that existed within the North-South relationship is explained from the Unionist perspective as being fundamentally one based on constitutional integrity and later on about border security. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the O'Neill/Lemass summit, this is a timely moment to take another look at both Unionism and the North-South relationship.