Fearing equality

• Main Author: Graham, Donald
• Published: University of Bristol 2001
• Subjects: 320
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.393879

This study examines over ten chapters the degree of inequality of opportunity within NI during a critical period of Direct Rule from the introduction of the 1976 Fair Employment (NI) Act to its replacement by the 1989 Fair Employment (NI) Act. An historical outline is given of the Stormont regime to place in context the argument presented that economic development in NI stressed patronage for Protestants at the expense of Catholics. The practical realisation of Stormonts' agenda to secure and maintain a "Protestant State for a Protestant People" and the failure by the British government to fundamentally alter this during a critical period of investment under Direct Rule are assessed. It is argued that the structural imbalances in terms of employment and unemployment are so great that equality of opportunity in terms of the redistribution of employment cannot be provided within current political, economic and geographical boundaries. The view is advanced that to seek to do so would undermine the very existence of NI as a distinct entity. The degree of inequality is evidenced by reference to specific case studies in the private and public sector. The extent of legislative reform and their origins in terms of equal opportunity laws are evaluated with specific reference to the American and British examples. The central part of the thesis covering the period from 1976 to the late 1980's with a commentary on the 1990's are selected as marking a period of significant developments and international attention on inequalities in NI. This is evaluated by reference to the conduct of formal investigations, the response by major employers and the development of an international campaign to promote equality within NI. Some comment is made on recent political developments under the Good Friday Agreement with reference to its Equality Agenda in employment. The consequences of these measures are not evaluated however as being beyond the scope of the thesis but also as in many cases they are proposals or reforms that have yet to be fully implemented.