Paths to peace in Northern Ireland (II): The peace processes 1973–74 and 1994–96

Part II of this article argues first, that the Northern Ireland political elite generally lack the ability to bring their supporters with them towards a political settlement. Secondly, there is little evidence to suggest that on constitutional questions the political elites are unrepresentative of their voters. Thirdly, the reformist civil society approach appears to offer a way out of the current impasse by creating an environment in which accommodation might be possible. Part I of this article, ‘Paths to Peace in Northern Ireland (I): Civil Society and Consociational Approaches’, appeared in the previous issue of this journal.