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Irish Politics Specialist Group

Aims/rationale

The Irish Politics Group (IPG) aims to further research and teaching in UK higher education institutions on all aspects of Irish politics. Its focus is on both the politics and political systems of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and on the interaction of these institutions with their external world. Core themes include governance and policy analysis, parties and elections, institutional innovation, security and conflict resolution, and the politics of culture and recognition.

Activities

The IPG sponsors and organises a range of activities through which the discussion and analysis of Irish politics is advanced. Conference panels, usually covering both Northern Ireland and politics in the Republic of Ireland, are normally convened at the annual PSA conferences (where the annual meeting also takes place). The inaugural group day conference on 'Northern Ireland: A Civil or Uncivil Society?' (organised by Paul Dixon, Adrian Little and Simon Thompson) was held in Bristol in September 2004. A second group conference is to be held in early 2006. The IPG also works closely with the Political Studies Association of Ireland (PSAI), often convening joint panels and sponsoring events. For the 2005 PSAI conference in Belfast, the IPG has sponsored a panel on the Northern Ireland elections and is offering grants to paper givers, awarded on a competitive basis. Occasional newsletters are distributed and there is a hardship fund to help postgraduate students participate in group events.

How to join

Anyone with a general interest in Irish politics is welcome to participate in the IPG and should contact the convenor at the address below. There is no membership fee.

Convenors & contact details

Anyone interested in participating in the Irish Politics Group should contact Alan Greer at the address below. Ideas for future conferences, panels, and events etc are most welcome.

Dr Alan Greer
School of Politics
University of the West of England, Bristol
Frenchay Campus
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol BS16 1QY
Tel: 0117 32 82422
Fax: 0117 32 82295