Ireland is divided into two parts: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This political division dates back to the end of 1921. There also exists a religious division in Ireland that dates back to 1534. The conflict in Northern Ireland has compelled many people to take action in resolving it. This leads to political parties, nonpolitical organizations, and radical splinter groups each dedicated to ending the Struggle. Each group has its’ own goals, and uses its’ own means to achieve these goals. Some might think the conflict in Northern Ireland is a religious one, this is not true. The conflict is a power struggle between people who want to determine the form of government for Northern Ireland. Each side considers Northern Ireland its' rightful homeland.

          There are many parties involved in the struggle; some are political forces, and some are outside of the government. The Unionists, also known as the Loyalists, have been the largest party in Ulster since the time of partition. The Unionists represent the Protestant community. Ian Paisley started the Democratic Unionist party for those who felt the Unionists were too moderate. The Social Democratic Labor Party represents the Catholic community and wants a peaceful solution to the conflict. Sinn Fein (meaning ‘ourselves alone’)was formed in 1905 as a more radical political party that calls for Irish Independence. It's president Gerry Adams was elected to the British Parliament by a heavily Catholic populated area in West Belfast. Sinn Fein is sometimes said to be the political arm of the IRA. Political parties are not the only source of political power in Ulster, and for the most part are not the most important. The Orange Order, although not an official political party, is said to hold the most political power in Ulster. It was formed in 1795 and provided the base on which the Ulster Unionist Party was built. The Orange men hold most of the political positions on a local level, and are highly anti-Catholic.

          The Ulster Defense Association, a legal organization, can be held responsible for most of the Protestant caused violence in Ulster. The UDA was formed in 1972 to defend Protestant areas from IRA attacks, the group also retaliates against suspected members of the IRA. The British government is aware of this, but maintains that being a member of the UDA does not make someone a terrorist. The Provos are one of the most feared terrorist organizations in the world. In 1969 the Provos broke awayfrom the IRA to form the Provisional wing of the IRA. The Provos are directly responsible for most of the IRA violence. The Provos represent the oppressed Catholic minority in Northern Ireland. The will take death before British rule. The Official IRA attempts to pursue a non-violent policy, however is responsible for some assassinations.

          The British government has made a number of positive, but small steps to improve civil and human rights for Catholics in Northern Ireland. An example of this would be that it is no longer illegal to fly the Republican flag in the North. Most of these attempts were made in order to pacify groups like the IRA. These small and trivial changes are meant to make Catholics believe they are trying to improve the situation. The hope for peace does not come from small gestures made by the British government instead it comes from the people.

          Only three options remain for Northern Ireland--first, it can be reunited with the south of Ireland; second it can become an independent state; and last, it can remain a province of the United Kingdom. Each option is possible; however each will meet with fervent opposition of a major segment of either the Catholic or the Protestant community. The Nationalists will never accept the possibility of remaining a part of the United Kingdom. The Unionists are just as opposed to ever joining the rest of Ireland. A majority of both Catholics and Protestants oppose the option of an Independent Ulster state. The solution must be acceptable to both sides or else it will set the stage for future Troubles. Compromise has to be a factor in each option. Compromise is the most difficult factor for each community. The thought of compromise also brings feelings of betrayal from those who have died during the struggle. For the Catholics it would be a betrayal of the deaths of the hunger strikers, Wolfe Tone, Father Murphy, and all those who died as a result of Oliver Cromwell during the seventeenth century. For the Protestant Community it would mean betraying William of Orange.