John Hume and the Revision of Irish Nationalism

The book, available at last in paperback, explores the politics of the most important Irish nationalist leader of his generation, and one of the most influential figures of twentieth century Ireland, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, John Hume. Given his central role in the reformulation of Irish nationalist ideology, and the vital part which he played in drawing violent republicanism into democratic politics, the book shows Hume to be one of the chief architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, and a key figure in the making of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. At the same time, the book considers Hume's failure in what he stated to be his foremost political objective: the conciliation of the two communities in Northern Ireland. In essence, it argues that Hume's achievements as a nationalist leader also account for the considerable distrust which he evoked amongst Ulster unionists. However, whilst recognising that he was unable to convince unionists of the integrity of his motives, the book suggests that the political settlement which Hume helped to create provides the most realistic framework for a process of gradual reconciliation between the two main political traditions in Ireland.

The book is essential reading for specialists on Irish history and politics, but will also be of interest to academics and practitioners working in other regions of political and ethnic conflict. In addition, it will appeal to lay readers seeking to understand the crucial role which Hume played in modernising Irish nationalist thinking, and bringing peace to Northern Ireland.