Abstentionism: Silent Voices

Abstentionism provides an in-depth look into a unique political strategy that has shaped Irish politics for over a century. Focusing on Sinn Féin's refusal to take seats in the British Parliament, the book examines how this strategy evolved from the 18th century to today. It offers insight into the intersection of legitimacy, national sovereignty, and the boundaries of parliamentary participation. For political enthusiasts and scholars, the book sheds light on a strategy that challenges conventional democratic engagement.

Chapter Overviews:

1: Abstentionism – Introduces the origins and significance of abstentionism in Irish republicanism.

2: Second Dáil – Examines how abstentionism influenced the Second Dáil's creation.

3: 1st Dáil Members – Focuses on Sinn Féin's first abstentionist representatives.

4: Irish Republican Legitimism – Explores abstentionism's role in the pursuit of Irish independence.

5: Northern Ireland Politics – Looks at abstentionism’s impact on Northern Ireland’s political scene.

6: Opposition Leader (NI) – Investigates abstentionism's effect on leadership in Northern Ireland.

7: 2010 UK General Election (NI) – Analyzes how abstentionism shaped the election’s outcome.

8: 2005 UK General Election (NI) – Reviews earlier elections tied to Sinn Féin's abstentionist stance.

9: 2017 NI Assembly Election – Discusses abstentionism's influence in the pivotal 2017 election.

10: 2017 UK General Election (NI) – Examines the abstentionist role in another key election.

11: Sinn Féin – Traces Sinn Féin’s evolution and their parliamentary abstention strategy.

12: SDLP – Compares the SDLP’s representation strategy with Sinn Féin’s abstentionism.

13: Gerry Fitt – Focuses on SDLP founder Gerry Fitt's opposition to abstentionism.

14: Republican Sinn Féin – Discusses Republican Sinn Féin’s hardline abstentionist stance.

15: South Down Constituency – Looks at South Down’s abstentionist electoral history.

16: Alasdair McDonnell – Profiles the SDLP politician who opposed Sinn Féin's abstentionism.

17: Sinn Féin History – Reviews Sinn Féin’s history, emphasizing the abstentionist identity.

18: Cahir Healy – Chronicles the abstentionist influence of Sinn Féin's Cahir Healy.

19: December 1910 UK General Election (Ireland) – Examines this election’s role in Sinn Féin’s rise.

20: 2019 UK General Election (NI) – Highlights the most recent election’s effect on abstentionism.

21: Next NI Assembly Election – Looks ahead to how abstentionism may evolve in future elections.