Local government in Northern Ireland: Emerging from the bearpit of sectarianism?

The ongoing multi-party talks on the future constitutional arrangements for Northern Ireland overshadow much of the day-to-day business of local government. Yet there are signs that councils, despite their relatively minor functions, are emerging as important cross-community players in Northern Ireland. This paper examines the key events in local government since 1973, the main issues currently facing councils and offers a prospective assessment of their future role.