Devolution, direct rule and neo-liberal reconstruction in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Northern Ireland is a deeply unequal society emerging from war. The anticipated ‘peace dividend’ has not materialized for people living in poverty who were also most affected by the conflict. The devolved administration in Northern Ireland 2000–2 was constrained in its response to social exclusion by Treasury rules. This paper argues that attempts under devolution to develop new public services and more publicly oriented Public–Private Partnerships have been reversed by Direct Rule Ministers.