Origin of the conflict:
The basis of this conflict lies in the intractable identity division between two major groupings in Northern Ireland. One of the groups considers itself British and wishes Northern Ireland to be part of the United Kingdom (British Unionists, largely Protestant). This minority is largely concentrated in the northern region of the island. However, the majority of the population of the island and a sizable minority in the northern region sees itself as Irish and desires an united Ireland (Irish Nationalists, largely Catholic).

Chronological timeframe:

Creation Of the Irish State
• Ever since the 11th century the whole of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom under vague colonial rule, in 1801 the Act of Union consolidated British sovereignty over the region.
• Irish nationalism was fueled by the famine of the 1830s/40s and 50s.
• In 1886 the British government passed the Home Rule Bills to give a degree of autonomy to Ireland.
• In 1916 nationalist sentiment was perpetuated by the execution of several leaders by the British government after the ‘Easter Rising’ rebellion.
• In 1920 the Government of Ireland Act was passed and divided the country, creating a separate state composed of 26 counties governed by a parliament in Dublin, whilst the remaining 6 counties created the new region of Northern Ireland.
• By 1949 the separate state had achieved independence from Britain.

‘The Troubles’
• From 1956-62 the IRA (see below) launched an armed (largely unsuccessful) border campaign.
• These attacks escalated through the 1960s and 70s and continued into the 80s and 90s.
• During this period there was reaction from the British Army; curfews, internment and violent attacks.
• Over 3,000 people, mainly civilians, were killed on both sides during ‘The Troubles’.

The Peace Process
• In 1985 the Anglo-Irish Agreement required Northern Irish policy to be consulted on by the Irish government, specifically in terms of constitutional changes.
• 1990, ‘The Brooke Initiative’ opens a dialogue with the IRA.
• 1994, Paramilitary ceasefires.
• 1998, Good Friday Agreement, negotiated by all parties and supported by referendums in both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• 1999, Northern Irish Assembly devolved significant powers.
• 2005, The IRA announces an end to its armed campaign.

Actors involved:
Irish Republican Army (IRA)
Since the early 1900s the IRA had existed, using violence to try and remove all British presence from Ireland. In 1970 the IRA split over how best to achieve their aims, through a peaceful process or through continued violent engagement. Those who wished to continue with the armed struggle formed the Provisional IRA.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
Founded in 1971 the DUP has been consistently led by Reverend Ian Paisley. The DUP has become the main political grouping in Northern Ireland supporting political and cultural union with Britain since the Good Friday Agreement. The DUP supports the idea of a devolved government in Northern Ireland but has refused to share power with Sinn Fein.
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
The dominant party in Northern Ireland between 1920 and 2003. Since the Good Friday Agreement there has been a rapid movement in support from the UUP to the DUP.
Sinn Fein
Since 2001 Sinn Fein has become the dominant nationalist party in Northern Ireland. This is largely the result of the party moving away from it’s historical connections with the IRA.
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
Formed in 1970, the SDLP offered a more moderate form of nationalism. From the outset the SDLP were careful to distance themselves from the IRA and were the biggest republican party until 2001. The ideals of the SDLP were largely reflected in the Good Friday Agreement.

Reaction of the international community
There was very little reaction or involvement of the wider international community. The conflict was considered by many as a mainly internal issue. Besides, the conflict was going on during an extended period of wider international turmoil. There was limited involvement of international organisations and the government of the United States, however, much of the conflict remained domestic.

Sources
Jones, B, Kavanagh, D, Morgan, M. and Norton, P. (2007), Politics UK, Pearson: Harlow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/default.stm