N orthern I reland Representation at W estminster: Constitutional Conundrums and Political Manœuvres

This article focuses on the issue of N orthern I reland's representation at W estminster. It investigates the political context of the decision to increase N orthern I reland's representation in the house of commons at W estminster from 12 members to 17 in 1978–9. Exploring this episode in more detail, it is argued, provides a more informed overall understanding of the history of devolution in the UK and of the way issues concerning N orthern I reland often overlapped with questions of constitutional change in S cotland and W ales. The article also throws light on the matter of N orthern I reland MP s and their voting rights at W estminster during N orthern I reland's experience of devolution prior to 1972.