Ulster unionist political divisions in the late twentieth century

Abstract

This article critiques the dominant analysis of Ulster Unionism by arguing that a dichotomy is too simplistic to appreciate the multiple and often divergent strands of a complex ideology. It argues that a more satisfactory approach is to be found in the historical understanding of Ulster Unionism and sets out the most dominant ideological strands that can be ascertained today. It puts forth complementary and overlapping dichotomies as a solution to the problem identified. It argues that an ideological divide can be ascertained between those whose politics is primarily religious in nature and those for whom it is secular. However, an appreciation is also made of the other functions which these two roles perform. Secondly, it sees the main political division within Unionism as a tactical struggle between the pragmatists of the pro‐Agreement parties and the dogmatists of the anti‐Agreement ones. Finally, it buttresses the argument in favour of more effective categorical analysis by describing the embryonic growth of class politics within Unionism to show that dichotomies are ineffectual.