Multi-Level Governance and Northern Ireland

This book examines the governance arrangements in Northern Ireland through a multi-level lens, particularly in the period since the new institutions established through the 1998 Agreement became more firmly embedded.

Northern Ireland can be examined as a particularly well-developed example of multi-level governance in terms of six levels of formal institutions of governance, namely the national UK government; devolved government; North-South All-Ireland institutions; local government; the EU and a broader international level.

The book considers the consequences these different levels have for the divisions of powers and for inter-governmental relationships, and examines the definitions and value of multi-level governance.

Offering a cutting edge assessment of the role of multi-level governance in providing good or stable government and in tackling and resolving political and social conflict, this book is key reading for advanced students and scholars working in the field of multi-level governance and government in Northern Ireland.

Cathy Gormley-Heenan is the Director of the Institute for Research in Social Sciences (IRISS) and a Professor of Politics in the School of Criminology, Politics & Social Policy at the Ulster University. Her primary research interests lie in the areas of political elites, peace processes, public policy and the politics of divided societies.

Derek Birrell is Professor of Social Policy in the School of Criminology, Politics & Social Policy at the Ulster University. He was formerly the Head of the School of Social and Community Sciences and subsequently the School of Policy Studies. He is the author of the recent books Comparing Devolved Government (2012), The Impact of Devolution on Social Policy (2009) and Direct Rule and the Governance of Northern Ireland (2009).

List of Tables and Figures
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Lens of Multi-Level Governance
2. UK Government and Northern Ireland
3. Devolved Government - The Executive
4. Devolved Government – The Northern Ireland Assembly
5. EU and International Governance
6. Cross-Border and Transnational Government
7. Local Government in Northern Ireland
8. Delegated Governance
9. Partnership and Collaborative Governance
10. The Impact of Multi-level Governance
11. Conclusions
References