ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the impact of imprisonment on Northern Irish politically motivated prisoners and the role of prisoners in maintenance and transformation of conflict in Northern Ireland post-release. Research conducted in Northern Ireland with former Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Red Hand Commando (RHC) prisoners will be incorporated to illustrate how imprisonment impacts on the prisoners and how the former prisoners impact on peace and stability in Northern Ireland. The history of imprisonment in Northern Ireland is dynamic, and characterized by changes to British policy impacting on prison conditions and resulting in violent and non-violent resistance by the prisoners and their colleagues outside the prison walls. Some of the world's best leaders are ex-prisoners of the British particularly so it should come as no surprise that people in prison do develop because you've been removed from the conflict.
