Recent Political Difficulties of Local Government in N. Ireland
本文分析了1985年新芬党议员当选及英爱协议签署后，北爱尔兰地方政府的政治争议，探讨了工会主义者的抗议、对地方服务的影响及政府的应对策略。
Local government in N. lreland has frequently been associated with political controversy particularly since May 1985 following the election of Sinn Fein councillors and the subsequent signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. This paper traces Unionist reaction to both events, the impact on local services and the government’s role in the affair. The authors argue that the Unionist protest has failed in the face of legal reprimands, additional powers taken by the government and the diligence of officials in maintaining services. As a conciliatory measure the government announced timely proposals to counter Sinn Fein’s joint support for violence and democracy. In the interest of long term aims to devolve administration the government has been successful in its short term approach to N.I. local government.