After the Peace

by Gallaher, Carolyn

• ISBN13: 9780801445705
• ISBN10: 0801445701
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-10-01
• Publisher: Cornell Univ Pr

Summary

The 1998 Belfast Agreement promised to release citizens of Northern Ireland from the grip of paramilitarism. However, almost a decade later, Loyalist paramilitaries were still on the battlefield. After the Peace explains why Loyalist paramilitaries have yet to stand down and how their failure to do so affects ordinary citizens. Drawing on interviews with current and former Loyalist paramilitary men, community workers, and government officials, Carolyn Gallaher charts the trenchant divisions that emerged during the run-up to peace and thwart demilitarization today. After the Peace demonstrates that some Loyalist paramilitary men want to rebuild their communities and join the political process. They pledge a break with violence and the criminality that sustained their struggle. Others vow not to surrender and refuse to set aside their guns. These units operate under a Loyalist banner but increasingly resemble criminal fiefdoms. In the wake of this internecine power struggle, demilitarization has all but stalled. Gallaher documents the battle for the heart of Loyalism in varied settings, from the attempt to define Ulster Scots as a language to deadly feuds between UVF, UDA, and LVF contingents. After the Peace brings the story of Loyalist paramilitaries up to date and sheds light on the residual violence that persists in the post-accord era.

Table of Contents

Preface
Abbreviations
Staying Put	p. 1
The Loyalist Prison Experience	p. 28
Class Matters	p. 53
Fighting with History instead of Guns	p. 84
Loyalism and the Voluntary Sector	p. 110
Loyalist Feuds	p. 129
Immigrants, Paramilitaries, and Turf	p. 158
What to do with the Paramilitaries?	p. 189
Reference List	p. 221
Index	p. 239
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