Northern Ireland's Lost Opportunity: The Frustrated Promise of Political Loyalism
"A significant contribution. Novosel exposes the limitation of commonly held views that loyalism was apolitical and merely sectarian. The book's significance also lies in the depth of its scholarship. Hopefully it will remind those studying Northern Ireland that loyalists played and continue to play a significant role in peace-building. This warts-and-all account is a vital read." – Professor Peter Shirlow, School of Law, Queen's University Belfast"Novosel's study of the UVF and its attempts to develop a politicized loyalism challenges the standard one-dimensional representation of loyalism that so dominates the media and popular imagination. A well-researched history based on extensive contacts with key players, this is a welcome addition to the emerging body of work on loyalism. A necessary, serious and informative read." – Graham Spencer is Reader in Politics, Conflict and the Media at the University of Portsmouth, UK and author of The State of Loyalism in Northern Ireland"This thoroughly researched book is integral to an understanding of the Conflict Transformation Process which has made Northern Ireland a beacon of hope, and adds a vital component to the complex narrative of our recent history." – John Kyle, Belfast City Councilor"Novosel effectively challenges common perceptions. He demonstrates that some Loyalists offered hope when hope was most needed but faced constant obstruction by those challenged by their 'new thinking'." – Roy Garland, Irish News