ABSTRACT

Politicians and bureaucrats are not alone in wanting clear, precise explanations as to why matters are presently amiss and what may occur in the future so that appropriate actions can be undertaken. The interested want to know the nature and tides of history, the direction and pace of the currents, and the proper site for practical, inexpensive dams and weirs in order to channel the turmoil into pleasant pools. The more professional have increasingly investigated aspects of modern Irish history relevant to the present disturbances: economic structures, peasant aspirations, tribal rites, electorial results, political development or social attitudes. The Loyalists claimed to be misunderstood, their opponents' pawns in far political schemes, equally greedy and vicious. Dublin, despite the expectations of all, including the innocent in the government, had no power and no leverage. The only option left open would be counterproductive—intervene in the north—and would require sacrifices neither people nor politicians wanted to make.