A new book on Irish republicanism was launched in Belfast last night.
‘Unfinished Business – The Politics of ‘Dissident’ Irish Republicanism’ by Dr Marisa McGlinchey’s is the product of seven year’s research.
From Poleglass on the outskirts of west Belfast, Ms McGlinchey secured access to dozens of republican groups and individuals across Ireland.
Those who contributed include veteran republican Billy McKee, who was a founding member of the Provisional IRA.
The majority of those who contributed are opposed to Sinn Féin’s political strategy, although the party’s former director of publicity Danny Morrison was interviewed.
Those interviewed included a representative of the Continuity IRA in north Armagh.
It also provides a first-hand account of why some prominent republicans chose to part company with Sinn Féin.
An Assistant Professor in Political Science at Coventry University, Dr McGlinchey also interviewed republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison.
She said it was a difficult piece of work to complete.
“The key point of the book is the interviews, 90 republicans throughout Ireland across the various groups and independents,” she said
“It’s been a very difficult piece of research to do,” she said.
The book was launched at Linenhall Library last night by Ms McGlinchey’s former academic mentor and Queen’s University professor Paul Bew, known as Lord Bew.
The book’s Dublin launch will take place next Friday where journalist Vincent Browne will be the guest speaker.
