The Alternative Press in Northern Ireland and the Political Process

Abstract

This article examines how the alternative press in Northern Ireland interpreted the peace process and Good Friday Agreement. While mainstream news greeted the peace accord as an historic opportunity for Northern Ireland to break with its violent past, the alternative publications of the loyalist and republican press were usually less enamoured. Most rejected the Agreement and contextualised contemporary events within long historical memories of struggle, adversity and political betrayal. Since the signing of the Agreement Northern Ireland has suffered a protracted period of political crisis and instability. In this context the dissident views of the alternative press have looked more prescient than mainstream media support for the peace deal. The author argues that paying greater attention to alternative sources of news and information provides a more intriguing insight into the political process and a better understanding of the dynamics of political conflict.

Keywords:

• Alternative Press
• Northern Ireland
• Political Process
• Good Friday Agreement

Notes

1. I am indebted to Greg McLaughlin for his advice and to the staff of Belfast's Linen Hall Library, who were unfailingly helpful.

2. For a full assessment of the Good Friday Agreement see O'Leary (1999).