northern ireland definitions

Sectarianism

Excessive attachment to a religion or identity that results in division in society, in Northern Ireland it is based on religion. Towns, schools, sports etc are divided along sectarian lines

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of electoral boundaries to ensure artificial majorities, derry where the unionists were a majority on the council but a minority of the population

Power sharing

In the context of Northern Ireland where laws are made by an assembly where decisions made must have majority support in both communities

Cultural identity

The sense of belonging to a group that shares a unique culture: irish or British

Nicra

Northern ireland civil rights association established in 1967 to end discrimination against catholics in areas such as housing and jobs

Republican

Prepare to use violence to achieve a united Ireland

Provisional IRA

Irish republican army. Organisation split in 1969 with the provisionals more focused on achieving a united ireland through violence

Nationalist

Believed in using peaceful means to achieve a united Ireland

SDLP

Social and democratic labour party. Founded in 1970, dominant representative of nationalist politics until 1993. Leaders Gerry Fitt and John Huma

UUP

Ulster unionist party, party of government in Northern Ireland until 1972. Dominant party among unionists during the troubles. Split over the sunningdale agreement

DUP

Democratic unionist party, effectively a political vehicle for Ian Paisely founded in 1971. It was opposed to power sharing with nationalists and the sunningdale agreement

Uvf

Ulster volunteer force established in 1966, smaller but deadlier terrorist group. More disciplined and structured than the UDA

Loyalist

Interchangeable with unionist but distinction is that they are prepared to use violence to maintain ulsters position in the uk, associated with working class protestants

Unionist

Wanted northern ireland to remain part of the Uk

UWC

Ulster workers council established to oppose sunningdale agreement. Its general strike in may 1971 let to the collapse of the executive

Apprentice boys

Protestant marching group that commemorated important events in Protestant history, most famously the battle of boyne

RUC

Royal ulster constabulary, police force in Northern Ireland. Predominantly Protestant and viewed with suspicion by the catholics especially the republicans

B Specials

Reserve police force known also as the ulster special constabulary that was exclusively Protestant. Disbanded in 1970

Civil rights

Campaign to ensure equality of treatment in areas such as housing, jobs and elections

UUUC

United Ulster Unionist council, formed in 1974 to co-ordinate the different unionist parties and organisations opposed to the sunningdale agreement