The Contested Identities of Ulster Protestants

This study explores the idea voiced by journalist Henry McDonald that the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist tribes of Ulster are '…the least fashionable community in Western Europe'. A cast of contributors including prominent politicians, academics, journalists and artists explore the reasons informing public perceptions attached to this community.

Table of Contents:
Introduction – Paul Burgess and Gareth Mulvenna 1. Beginning to talk to 'Billy': Revising Southern Stereotypes of Unionism; Eoghan Harris 2. Investigating the Protestant 'Kaleidoscope'; Henry McDonald 3. Lost in Translation: Loyalism and the Media; Malachi O'Doherty 4. Typical Unionists? The Politicians and their People, Past and Present; James Greer 5. 'Doing Their Bit': Gendering the Constitution of Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist Identities; Fidelma Ashe and Caireen McCluskey 6. The Re-invention of the Orange Order: Triumphalism or Orangefest?; Brian Kennaway 7. Loyalism on Film and Out of Context; Stephen Baker 8. This Sporting Life: Anything to Declare? Community Allegiance, Sports and the National Question; Thomas Paul Burgess 9. No-One Likes Us, We Don't Care: What is to be (un) done about Ulster Protestant Identity?; Robbie McVeigh 10. Celebration and Controversy in America: At Home with the Scots-Irish Diaspora; John Wilson and Alister McReynolds 11. Convergence; Graham Reid 12. Labour Aristocracies, Triumphalism and Melancholy: Misconceptions of the Protestant Working Class and Loyalist Community; Gareth Mulvenna 13. To the Beat of a Different Drum; Loyalist Youth and the Culture of Marching Bands; Sam McCready and Neil Symington 14. Blood Sacrifice for Queen and Country: Paramilitarism and Political Manoeuvrings; Billy Hutchinson

About the Author :
Robbie McVeigh, Independent Scholar, UK Henry McDonald, The Observer Eoghan Harris, Sunday Independent Billy Hutchinson, Progressive Unionist Party in Northern Ireland Brian Kennaway, Irish Association for Cultural, Economic, and Social Relations Dr Stephen Baker, University of Ulster, UK Graham Reid, Independent Scholar, U Fidelma Ashe, University of Ulster, UK Caireen McCluskey, Independent Scholar, UK John Wilson, University of Ulster, UK Alistair J. McReynolds University of Ulster, UK James Greer, Queen's University Belfast, UK Neil Symington, Independent Scholar, UK Dr. Paul Burgess, University College Cork, Ireland Dr Gareth Mulvenna, Queen's University Belfast, UK

Review :
'Confident societies tend not to obsess about identity. But Northern Ireland does. The identity which is most debated at present is that of northern Protestants. Contested Identities is a timely and thought-provoking series of essays exploring the various manifestations of that identity. As such it will immeasurably assist our understanding of a community which often feels misunderstood and marginalised.' Professor Marianne Elliott, Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool, UK 'The Ulster Protestant identity is complex and often misunderstood. This work offers an insight into many aspects of a culture which is diverse and unpredictable. Much will surprise. An important book, which will enlighten many who have a narrow view of the 'Ulster Prod'.' Ken Reid, Political Editor, Ulster Television, UK 'This volume provides much-needed depth, context, dimensions and empathy.' Alasdair McKillop, Scottish Review of Books