wfn.org | A glossary guide to Northern Irish politics

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

June 20, 2000  News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212)870-3803·New York
10-21-71B{287}

NOTE: This may be used with UMNS stories #284 and #285.

By Kathleen LaCamera*

For many outsiders understanding what is going on in Northern Ireland is a
daunting prospect. Its potent and lethal tangle of religion, politics and
nationalism is hard to unravel. Here are a few definitions that may prove
useful: 

Gerry Adams - Head of the Nationalist Sinn Fein political party, which many
link with the IRA. Adams has been under fire from extremist Republican
elements, especially over the issue of decommissioning weapons.   

Cross-community - Involving both Catholic and Protestant groups.

Decommissioning - The process by which paramilitary groups hand in their
weapons. People also use the phrase "putting weapons beyond use," which is
not considered the same as handing over arms.  

Good Friday Agreement - The 1998 Agreement signed at Stormont Castle near
Belfast by all the major Catholic and Protestant political parties in
Northern Ireland and brokered by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell. Among its
accomplishments, the agreement paved the way for the creation of a
representative Northern Ireland Assembly and mapped out a timetable for the
handing in of paramilitary weapons.

Nationalists (a.k.a. "Republicans") -- Traditionally Catholic; supporters of
a unified Republic of Ireland, in which the North would no longer be part of
the United Kingdom. 

Paramilitaries - Self-appointed military-styled Catholic and Protestant
groups that see themselves as the defenders of their communities, resorting
to violence and intimidation to make their views heard. Often they direct
this violence toward members of their own community who speak out against
them. The groups vary in size and strength and include the Catholic Irish
Republican Army (IRA) and the Protestant Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

Sectarian - Describes division and discrimination along religious lines. In
Northern Ireland, this divide has occurred between Catholics and
Protestants.

David Trimble - Unionist leader chosen to be the Northern Assembly's first
minister. Hardliners in his own party accuse him of having given too much
away to Nationalists. Many feel his continuing leadership is crucial to the
success of the peace process. 

Ulster - The name given to the area now known as Northern Ireland by British
settlers who began living in the area 11 years before the pilgrims set sail
from Plymouth.  

Unionists (a.k.a. "Loyalists") - Traditionally Protestant; supporters of a
Northern Ireland that remains under British rule. 

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*LaCamera is a UMNS correspondent based in England. 

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