Recently, the Republic of Ireland's constitution has been shaped by liberal politics aimed at securing personal autonomy, whilst Northern Ireland's politics have been dominated by the problem of political autonomy and democratic legitimacy. This volume presents a range of contemporary theoretical responses to issues in Irish politics in both jurisdictions.

1. Introduction: Theorising Politics 2. Critical Theory and Ethno-National Conflict: Assessing Northern Ireland's Peace Process as a Model of Conflict Resolution 3. Illegal in Ireland, Irish Illegals: Diaspora Nation as Racial State 4. Democratic Autonomy, Women's Interests, and Institutional Context 5. Comprehensive Liberalism and Civic Education in the Republic of Ireland 6. The Battle(s) Over Children's Rights in the Irish Constitution 7. Disability Rights in Ireland: Chronicle of a Missed Opportunity 8. How to Think About Marriage: Autonomy, Equality, Recognition 9. The Regulation of Public Space in Northern Ireland 10. Identity, Unity, & the Limits of Democracy

Jurgen De Wispelaere lectures in political philosophy at the Dept. of Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin.

Cillian McBride is a lecturer in political theory, at the School of Politics, International Studies, & Philosophy, Queen's University Belfast.

Shane O' Neill is Professor of Political Theory, at the School of Politics, International Studies, & Philosophy, Queen's University Belfast.