ABSTRACT
Because of their dual character, cultural activities have been recognized as significant by a succession of British governments, which have presided over them directly through the Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI) and indirectly through bodies such as the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, with a view to supporting those activities which clearly have a positive contribution to make. Simultaneously a watchful eye was kept on those cultural enterprises which, although clearly preferable to the operations of paramilitary organizations, were regarded nevertheless as making some contribution to the construction of an environment in which the terrorists were able to flourish. Although the debate on the precise nature of the contribution made by culture, in its varied forms, to the politics of Northern Ireland is at the heart of the discussion which follows, an attempt will be made to offer a brief account of some of the main cultural activities, from the arts to sport and leisure.
