The Government of Northern Ireland: A Study in Devolution

Originally published in 1936, The Government of Northern Ireland examines the practical operation of devolution which was granted to Northern Ireland in 1920. The later phases of the Ulster Question, interacting with a theoretic conception of devolution, provide the historical background in the light of which early 20th Century government in Ireland is analysed. The political, administrative and financial relations between the (then Imperial) and subordinate Parliament, the powers and personnel of the local legislature and the character of the local government are all discussed. The achievement of self-government in Northern Ireland is summarized with special regard to the desirability of a similar grant of devolution to Scotland and Wales.

About the Author

Tipperary born historian Nicholas Mansergh (1910 – 1991) wrote extensively on the process of decolonisation, the prelude to it, and its aftermath. Well known works include The Irish Question 1840-1921, and The Commonwealth Experience . In 1953, he became Smuts Professor of Commonwealth History in Cambridge, and was Master of St. John’s College from 1969 to 1979. He was also editor in chief of the 12 volume record of official documents on India: the Transfer of Power 1942-47.