Throughout its history the Irish Republican Movement has been beset by splits. The former paramilitary and author Brendan Behan famously quipped that, 'The first thing on the agenda was always the split.' In this in-depth research Morrison analyses the splits through his extensive range of interviews with leadership and rank and file members of the political and paramilitary wings of the Movement. This timely analysis shows how the splits have both aided the politicization of Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA while in parallel they have brought about the recent intensification of dissident Republican paramilitary activity. He charts the rise of groups including the Real IRA, Continuity IRA and the newly emerging 'New IRA.' By applying his unique process model of splits Morrison provides an insightful analysis of this long-lasting terrorist movement.
John F. Morrison is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of East London, UK.
Chapter 1: Towards 2016Chapter 2: The Affirmation of Behan Chapter 3: The Tinder Piles Up Chapter 4: The Officials Split Again Chapter 5: The Beginning of the End Chapter 6: The Steps Into Peace Chapter 7: United in Their Division, Divided in their Unity BibliographyIndex
As Ireland, North and South, traverses its 'decade of centenaries' John F Morrison's study of dissident republicanism is particularly timely. Based on an extensive set of interviews with leaders and rank and file republicans it is the both analytically impressive and historically aware. It demonstrates how splits within republicanism have been essential to its ultimate embracing of peaceful methods whilst not eradicating its continuing potential for violence.