The Contested Identities Of Ulster Protestants

'Flags', 'Emblems' and 'The Past'; three seemingly insurmountable challenges which continue to hinder the peace process in Northern Ireland. For many, the responsibility for the impasse that scuppered the Haass talks and brought violent protests to the streets of Belfast appears to rest with the perceived intransigence of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist communities to embrace change.

That this community is itself riven with internal rancour and discord should come as no surprise. Issues of social class, denominational alignment, political aspiration and national identity have historically divided what outsiders have often mistakenly viewed as a collective cultural, religious and socio-political entity.

This study explores the statement by Henry McDonald that this is '...the least fashionable community in Western Europe'. A diverse group of contributors including prominent politicians, academics, journalists and artists investigate the reasons informing public perceptions attaching to the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist communities in Ulster.

Review: 'Confident societies tend not to obsess about identity. But Northern Ireland does. The identity which is most debated at present is that of northern Protestants. Contested Identities is a timely and thought-provoking series of essays exploring the various manifestations of that identity. As such it will immeasurably assist our understanding of a community which often feels misunderstood and marginalised.' - Professor Marianne Elliott, Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool, UK 'The Ulster Protestant identity is complex and often misunderstood.

This work offers an insight into many aspects of a culture which is diverse and unpredictable. Much will surprise. An important book, which will enlighten many who have a narrow view of the 'Ulster Prod'.' - Ken Reid, Political Editor, Ulster Television, UK 'This volume provides much-needed depth, context, dimensions and empathy.' - Alasdair McKillop, Scottish Review of Books