“The usual english doubletalk”: The British political parties and the Ulster Unionists 1974–94

Abstract

The result of the 1992 Westminster general election highlighted once again the influence of the Ulster Unionist bloc of MPs at Westminster. The “understanding” reached between the Conservative government and the Unionists in July 1993 is set in the context of previous “understandings” reached between the Unionists and the British Labour Party. Paradoxically, it was the traditionally nationalist Labour Party that cut a deal with the Unionists while in government in the late 1970s. Again, in the run‐up to the 1987 Westminster general election, secret negotiations took place between the Unionist MPs and the Labour Party. The article illustrates the fickle nature of British party attitudes towards Northern Ireland, and the pragmatism with which the Unionists view their role in defending Northern Ireland's constitutional position within the UK. Against this background, the agenda and possible difficulties of the current rapprochement between the Conservatives and Unionists are discussed.

Notes

The author would like to acknowledge the constructive comments of Dr Helen Whalley, Eamonn O'Kane and two anonymous referees. None of the above is responsible for the views or shortcomings of the article.