Paisley: Religion and Politics in Northern Ireland

1. Ulster Protestants; 2. Early Years; 3. On the Margins of Unionism; 4. Coming to Power; 5. Church Established; 6. Church and Party; 7. Paisley and Trouble; 8. With God on his Side

This is a careful study, informed not only by a scholar's grasp of the literature, but by firsthand knowledge of things on the ground... an important contribution to understanding one of Northern Ireland's key public figures. Chris Arthur, Contemporary Review, Vol 290, No. 1691 throughly grounded in the sociology of religion, setting Paisleyism within a wider British context of secularization...written in a manner that is accessible for undergraduates or popular readers; even Bruce's sociological writing is done with a light touch. Gladys Ganiel, British Journal of Sociology Steve Bruce is heavily preoccuipied with the interplay of religion and politics. But the story he tells is above all one of extraordinary personal and political stamina...Bruce argues persuasively that something special and outside the successful politician's usual equipment is required to fail as oftern as Paisley failed, to be immune to hatred he has provoked and yet to keep going to the end and to outlast your opponents. George Brock TLS d This timely book...is invaluable in reaching an understanding of just what drives and motivates the religion and the politics of the man himself...Bruce's book provides the bedrock to understand what is happening now - and what will happen in the immediate future - among the religious and political Paisleyites in Ireland. John Coulter, Tribune One of the most stylish and sympathetic of political biographies. AN Wilson, TLS Books of the Year a learned, funny and absolutely riveting account of "the big man", as Paisley's friends and followers call him. It is the best account of The Troubles which I have ever read. AN Wilson, Evening Standard Books of the Year very enlightening Irish Times