Unfinished Business - by Marisa McGlinchey (Paperback)

About the Book

This book traces the political development of 'dissident' Irish republicanism from the beginnings of the peace process. Based on extensive interviews with activists, it offers an insight into the ideology and motivation of a wide range of radical republican groups and analyses how serious a challenge they mount to the status quo in Ireland.

Book Synopsis

This book discusses the development of 'dissident' Irish republicanism and considers its impact on politics throughout Ireland since the 1980s. Based on a series of interviews with over ninety radical republican activists from the wide range of groups and currents which make up 'dissident' republicanism, the book provides an up-to-date assessment of the political significance and potential of the groups who continue to oppose the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. It shows that the 'dissidents' are much more than traditionalist irreconcilables left behind by Gerry Adams' entry into the mainstream. Instead the book suggests that the dynamics and trajectory of 'dissident' republicanism are shaped more by contemporary forces than historical tradition and that by understanding the "dissidents" we can better understand the emerging forms of political challenge in an age of austerity and increasing political instability internationally.

From the Back Cover

Unfinished business describes and assesses the politics of 'dissident' Irish republicanism. It offers an analysis of who the 'dissidents' are and what they hope to achieve. Moving beyond simplistic stereotypes it explores the range of ideological and organisational strands which exist throughout the movement and explains why we have not witnessed the development of a formal unified structure between groups and independents.

The work examines issues of legitimacy and mandate and provides an in-depth assessment of where 'dissidents' derive their mandate. Historical continuity operates alongside contemporary circumstances. To focus on electoral mandates fails to acknowledge the core of republican ideology which stresses a line of historical continuity drawn from 1798 and 1916, leading 'dissidents' to largely reject the label 'dissident'.

This book draws upon unprecedented access to ninety 'dissident' republicans throughout Ireland. Interviewees include independent republicans, elected representatives, political groups and societies, militant organisations, current prisoners in Maghaberry prison and a number of the 'hooded men'. Uniquely, the book also includes former members of the Provisional IRA who held senior positions prior to their departure from that movement. Written amidst academic and public controversy, this book is the first to provide such a holistic assessment of 'dissident' republicanism. It is the largest collection of 'dissident' testimonies to date, uniquely providing a wide geographical and generational record of this radical republican current.

'Dissident' republicanism continues to elicit strong opinions throughout Ireland and beyond. This book is a landmark study of 'dissident' republicanism and will significantly shape our understanding of 'dissidents' for years to come.

Review Quotes

'"Dissident" Irish republicanism remains a phenomenon of enduring significance. McGlinchey's book draws on extensive interviews with activists, and their vivid expressions of political commitment will be of interest to all scholars and students of this contentious subject.'
Richard English, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Queen's University Belfast and author of Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA

'At a time of renewed Brexit-related political instability in Northern Ireland, McGlinchey has produced a timely and fascinating work. Anyone who has ever asked the question about "dissident" republicans - who are they and what do they think? - will find the answer here. McGlinchey, who started out as an expert on constitutional nationalism, has opened up a new significant area of research.'
Lord Paul Bew, Professor of Irish Politics, Queen's University Belfast

'Among some of the most impressive aspects of this kaleidoscopic account of violent dissident Irish republicanism are the primary sources. The author deserves fulsome praise for conducting close to 100 individual interviews with the key actors. This alone is a remarkable feat, but combined with penetrating analysis and objective insight into very controversial subject matter, this book will stand the test of time as a history of one strand of republicanism that still stalks the peace process. Unfinished Business will be hard to match in terms of shining light into the dark corners of the armed republican tradition in Ireland - an illuminating and fascinating read.'
Henry McDonald, author and Guardian journalist

'Unfinished business is a timely study on republicanism given the prominence in the news of the least politically thoughtful group of republicans to emerge since the Good Friday Agreement - the New IRA and its cohorts. [...] Doubtless, there will be future books on this very topic but the shoulders of the giant they will stand upon is Unfinished business.'
Anthony McIntyre, The Pensive Quill, March 2020

About the Author

Marisa McGlinchey is Research Fellow in Political Science at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University