It is impossible to understand the Northern Irish Loyalist mentality without understanding Protestantism. And it is impossible to understand Northern Irish Protestantism without acknowledging the colossal influence of the Reverend Ian Paisley upon it. Without a doubt Ian Paisley was one of the most successful and controversial politicians in the United Kingdom in the latter half of the 20th Century. The founder of the hard-line Democratic Unionist Party, he was continually voted into the British Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the European Parliament, before eventually becoming First Minister of Northern Ireland. He also holds the unique distinction of not only founding a political party but also his own church which now has congregations across the world. Along with few other others, Paisley name has lent itself to an ‘ism’, and the impact of Paisleyism upon Northern Ireland and its role in The Troubles is explored is this engrossing account of his life and beliefs.
Steve Bruce does a compelling job in contrasting Paisley with the zeitgeist of the much of the western world. While politics and religion are increasingly separated in most developed nations, Pailsey scorned such a concept, brewing together British Unionism, Protestant Fundamentalism and paranoid anti-Catholicism. This potent mixture, delivered with the bellicose ferocity for which Paisley was famous, clearly tapped into the consciousness of a large section of the Ulster Protestant community. The success of Paisley is largely down to the siege mentality of many Ulster Protestant and Bruce discusses the attitudes, fears and concerns of this community in a serious and respectful manner.
While in many ways it is impossible to separate Paisley the hell-and-damnation preacher, Paisley the street politician, and Paisley as a human being, Bruce is able to flesh Paisley out significantly more than the one-dimensional public persona usually seen. His hatred for the Catholic Church was real enough, but the actions suggest a sincerity when claiming he didn’t hate individual Catholics. The grudging respect given to him by Catholic constituents who acknowledged him as a hard-working and reliable politician willing to listen to their individual concerns is testimony to this. On the other hand, with the bombastic rhetoric he directed at priests, most famously heckling Pope John Paul II as the Antichrist, it is hardly surprising that many Catholics lost the finer distinctions Paisley made in hating their treasured beliefs rather than hating them as persons. His flirtation with anti-Catholic paramilitary organizations clearly didn’t help either. Nevertheless, their clearly was a personable side to Paisley that was often lost amidst the hostilities.
Thankfully much has changed in the last few years in Northern Ireland. Unquestionably this had much to do with Paisley willing to reconsider his cry of ‘Never!’ and enter into discussions with his political enemies. Why he finally chose to do this will be discussed for years to come but, after years of rabble-rousing menace to the establishment, Paisley finally entered into the political mainstream and, in collusion with Sinn Fein, brought a level of stability to Northern Ireland. In doing so did Paisley bring Paisleyism as a political force to an end? This awaits to be seen.
This is an excellent, highly-readable piece of work. Steve Bruce has written what will likely be considered the definitive biography of Ian Paisley and Paisleyism. This is essential reading for anyone seeking to advance their knowledge of The Troubles.
ISBN-13:
978-0199565719
ISBN-10:
0199565716
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Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
J F G Shearmur
Readable book, but Paisley comes across as less interesting than one might have expected
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2020Verified Purchase
Alan Ridd
A very good purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2020Verified Purchase
J. M. Fielding
balanced well researched with no hidden agenda
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2012Verified Purchase
Conleth
Read it for your self
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2019Verified Purchase
Danny Clarke
Rather an interesting read. Such a passionate man.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2015Verified Purchase
