TRAGEDY OF ERRORS: THE GOVERNMENT AND MISGOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN IRELAND

Many books have been published about the Northern Ireland 'troubles,' their origins, consequences and future impact. This book offers the perspective of someone who was deeply involved in the political development of the province over some four decades. During his career in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield worked closely with successive Prime Ministers of Northern Ireland and, after the introduction of direct rule from London in 1972, with successive Secretaries of State from William Whitelaw to Peter Brooke. Bringing this unique knowledge and experience to bear, Bloomfield considers whether three decades of violence could have been avoided if, on crucial occasions, the principal players had avoided certain errors and misjudgements. This is an insider's book that raises serious questions about the wisdom and long-term effect of successive attempts to provide long-term stability in Northern Ireland, with particular emphasis on the responsibilities of the United Kingdom Government. While looking forward to a future in which large-scale violence has been eliminated, the book suggests that prospects for a successful polity and tolerant community remain obscure. As a Victims' Commissioner and an assassination target himself, Kenneth Bloomfield has a unique insight into the true cost of 'the troubles', and concludes that genuine peace has to mean more than the absence of warfare. -- Publisher description