The Changing Industrial Structures of Northern and Southern Ireland

The partition of Ireland in the early part of this century was founded on fundamental differences, not only in religious, but perhaps more important, in economic composition between the two parts of the island. The following paper presents evidence which suggests that these differences in economic composition have tended to be reduced in recent years. The resultant convergence in economic structure must necessarily have significant political repercussions. By way of conclusion, some speculation on what these repercussions might be are offered