Northern Ireland Political Conflict
Evolution of the Peace Process
The existing political division in Ireland dates from 1920-21. At that time, after centuries of British rule, including 120 years when all of Ireland was governed as part of the United Kingdom, 26 of the 32 counties of Ireland gained independence. The remaining six counties continued in political union with Britain as Northern Ireland. However, while the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster continued to exercise sovereignty, power in a variety of matters was devolved to a local Parliament and government established at Stormont in Belfast in 1920. From 1921 to 1972, although Northern Ireland elected members to the Westminster Parliament,…
