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Conclusion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2015

Graham Spencer
Affiliation:
University of Portsmouth
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Summary

The contributions in this book indicate not just interpretations about the relationship between text and context, the significance of key principles, or the dynamic that exists between the generalities and specificities of negotiation and dialogue, but, more importantly, pragmatism. That is, where approaches to policy and principle are based on the practical consequences of twists and turns which invariably emerge with changing conditions and circumstances rather than because of adherence to some fixed or absolute concept. The peace process was to a large extent built on the nuances of ambiguity, yet the logic and application of pragmatism played a bigger role. Through pragmatism key principles were perceived more in relative terms, where conceding to the truth of principle was far less important than conceding to its value. The pragmatic approach can also be observed throughout this book, where principles were reviewed and revisited as part of a shifting process that required meanings to be adjusted and adapted accordingly. Obviously, the realities of engagement framed expectations about principles and core positions, but it is apparent that, important though this was, commitment to the process was more significant. As with the decommissioning issue, although recognition of its importance was integral for demonstrating an exclusively peaceful approach to political engagement, it is also apparent that judgements about when and how this should be done changed, and that this change was a result of the governments responding to contestations about the form and impact of delivery. Managing those contestations was more vital than merely seeking to impose such principles as demands. And, even though that may have been the initial position, it soon became clear that such rigidity would make decommissioning less rather than more likely.

Type
Chapter
Information
The British and Peace in Northern Ireland
The Process and Practice of Reaching Agreement
, pp. 330 - 334
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2015

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References

Colley, L. (2013). Acts of Union and Disunion. London: Profile Books.Google Scholar
Haass, R. (2013). An Agreement Among the Parties of the Northern Ireland Executive on Parades, Select Commemorations, and Related Protests; Flags and Emblems; and Contending with the Past. Belfast: Northern Ireland Executive.Google Scholar
Patterson, Glen (2014). ‘Don't Mention the C-Word’, The Irish Times, 4 January.

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  • Conclusion
  • Edited by Graham Spencer, University of Portsmouth
  • Book: The British and Peace in Northern Ireland
  • Online publication: 05 March 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107337565.017
Available formats
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  • Conclusion
  • Edited by Graham Spencer, University of Portsmouth
  • Book: The British and Peace in Northern Ireland
  • Online publication: 05 March 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107337565.017
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Conclusion
  • Edited by Graham Spencer, University of Portsmouth
  • Book: The British and Peace in Northern Ireland
  • Online publication: 05 March 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107337565.017
Available formats
×