An attempt to explain the "Irish Question" and its significance for British policy making. The establishment of two new states of Ireland in 1921 obliged Britain to redefine her objectives in Ireland, but events in 1968 and after have meant that the "Irish Question" is still not resolved.

This 2nd edition includes a new chapter to cover the 1986-1996 period. The author looks historically at how modern Ireland was affected by British political habits and traditions and how it became what it is today

The problems of modern Ireland have attracted the attention of many British political leaders from Gladstone to Major. Attempts to formulate a 'solution' have been governed by the British perception of what the problem is, and by the structures, as well as the ideas of British party politics and British political life: Ireland was never a laboratory in which dispassionate political experiments could be conducted. Modern Ireland has been shaped by British policy, and this has itself been influenced by British political habits and traditions, social and economic reforms, and new governmental institutions have been applied by politicians both of the left and the right. The 'Framework Documents' represent the latest attempt to achieve what Gladstone, David Lloyd George and Neville Chamberlain sought, and failed to achieve: a lasting settlement of the political divisions within Ireland, and between Ireland the Great Britain. This book places the Irish question in the wider context of the history of the British Isles, and thus seeks to explain its special place in British history as the 'Oldest Question', and as a question for contemporary Britain. Fully revised and with a new chapter to bring the analysis up to 1996, this new edition of Professor Boyce's work will be widely acclaimed.

Whilst there are any number of books on the subject of Northern Ireland, few provide much guidance on how it has been handled by Westminster and Whitehall, or indeed the extent to which British governments and Parliament has tried to avoid having to handle the issue. This book provides a much needed historical context in which to assess contemporary approaches to the Northern Ireland problem and, in essays covering the period from the establishment of the Northern Ireland state to the present day, points to many often overlooked continuities in British policy.

The second edition of this popular title provides both a narrative and analysis of the relationship between Great Britain and Ireland, from its origins and the Act of Union in 1800 to the Anglo Irish settlement in 1922. Important events such as the Great Famine and the Easter Rising are explained, and key figures such as Parnell, Gladstone and O'Connell are assessed. This is an essential text for students studying this period to aid understanding of the complex but compelling issues that arose in Ireland and Britain during this period. Throughout the book, key dates, terms and issues are highlighted, and historical interpretations of key debates are outlined. Summary diagrams are included to consolidate knowledge and understanding of the period, and exam style questions and tips for each examination board provide the opportunity to develop exam skills.