Intergroup Forgiveness and Guilt in Northern Ireland: Social Psychological Dimensions of “The Troubles”

Abstract

In a society such as Northern Ireland, which is struggling to overcome the effects of prolonged violence, the concepts of forgiveness and collective guilt, although difficult, must be considered. After the euphoria that followed the "Good Friday Agreement," the realities to be faced in the acquisition of peace have become apparent. The Good Friday Agreement, which received the support of 71 percent of the Northern Irish electorate, led to the setting up of a local assembly and a power-sharing government embracing all the major political parties. This assembly has, however, since collapsed.