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Northern Ireland: Can Sean and John Live in Peace? : An American Legal Perspective

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...and, as one person remarks in this study of the Irish conflict, "not enough Christians." Beginning with the earliest history of Ireland, author Rasnic traces the long-time resentment of the Irish toward the British and Anglo-Irish who occupied and controlled their land, and shows how attempts to eradicate Irish history and culture led ultimately to an Irish rebellion and independence movement in the 19th and 20th centuries. In a careful, thorough, and balanced manner, she describes the circumstances which resulted in the division of Ireland into the twenty-six counties of the Irish Republic, heavily Catholic in religion, and the six counties of Northern Ireland which have remained part of the United Kingdom, the population being 45% Catholic and 55% Protestant. With the Irish Republic having as its goal the reunification of the island, paramilitary groups on both sides have long resorted to violence and retaliation.

The author draws many parallels between the deep-seated religious conflicts in Ireland and Northern Ireland and conflicts regarding race in the United States. By examining legal cases and decisions in the United States regarding matters of civil rights, she explains the similarities and differences in legislative and judicial procedure between the U.S., Ireland, and Northern Ireland. She analyzes the terms of the Good Friday Accords of 1998, the events which led up to them, the various factions which had input in crafting them, and the personalities and relationships of the people from both sides which agreed to them, showing clearly the tenuous nature of the agreements and the immense patience which will be necessary on all sides if peace is to have a chance.

As the author points out, the Irish conflict involves many more issues than religion. With sensitive attention, she examines additional emotional issues including the release of prisoners, the reorganization of the police, inequities in housing, discrimination in jobs, the decommissioning of paramilitary groups, the inequality of schools, and even issues such as the routes of parades during the summer marching season, the use of British vs. Irish symbols on uniforms, and the choice of name for the police force. Her interviews with over twenty of the participants in the Accords are enlightening and give a human dimension to this enormous effort at peace, and she spends considerable time analyzing the newly established Human Rights Commission, the Committee on Administration of Justice, and the Equality Commission, all vehicles which are in place to redress past grievances if present behavior can be channeled in positive directions.

Author Rasnic has performed an immense service, especially to legal scholars, in explaining in clear, unambiguous terms the nature and history of the Irish conflict and the terms of the Good Friday Agreements which attempt to resolve it. By making connections to American civil rights law, she puts it into a context which may allow Americans to understand the complexities more clearly. Her personal anecdotes add insight and liveliness to discussions which challenge the reader with their complexity. Anyone interested in exploring in detail the Irish/Northern Irish conflicts and their possible resolution will find this book to be a thorough and balanced guide. Mary Whipple

Northern Ireland: Can Sean And John Live In Peace? An American Legal Perspective by Carol Daugherty Rasnic (Professor of Employment and Labor Law, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia) is an impressively researched and presented study of the conflict in Northern Ireland, including the religious and political forces that drive it, as well as the law and the legal system as a means to deal with what the Irish called "the troubles". A thoughtful, exhaustive, scholarly inquiry, Northern Ireland is a sober and informative account and a very welcome contribution to academic International Studies modern reference collections concerned with global issues and conflicts in general, and Contemporary Irish Political History reading lists in particular.

I have read many different types of books over the past 60 years, but this book is by far the best, fiction or nonfiction alike. Professor Rasnic has accomplished what many authors wish they had accomplished, by giving the legal perspective in a human and many time humerous way, makes for easier reading for those of us who may not always understand legaleaze. This book in my estimation should be on the required reading list for anyone who wishes to understand the legal aspects and history of American and Irish similarities during the same periods in time.

This book allows the American reader to gain insight into the true nature of what Irish call "The Troubles".

The conflict between Catholic and Protestant factions is viewed from the perspective of a American woman. Her experience with segregation in the American South enabled her to understand the cultural and economic factors that divide these groups.

Her insight clarifies the fact that this is not simply a religious issue. It is one of long standing cultural and economic differences between all factions.

I found this book to be an invaluable aid in understanding the complex and difficult social hostilities that afflict these people of a common background.

Professor Rasnic has spent a great deal of time in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Her contacts with officials, politicians, clerics, and most of all, the Irish citizens gives her a special perspective. This was an enjoyable and educational read.

The world has too many Northern Irelands, and most of the time we form our opinions from some politcal ideology we have, or some news report or TV program. What we really need to be honestly informed about these "trouble spots" such as the Middle East or Kashmire or Ireland is to read a well reserched and well written book like Carol D. Rasnic work. She has certainly paid her dues and told us about something she has studied and live in for many years.And most important, she has not taken sides.