This project’s analysis firstly examines the way in which the political relationships between Stormont and Westminster are conducted, and what they historically are predicated upon. Next, it undertakes a brief inspection of the contemporary sentiments regarding Northern Irish politicians, and the influence afforded by them. Following this, a greater discourse analysis of the history and current application of Sinn Féin’s policy of abstention.

The project employs an interpretivist approach to the aforementioned issues, making use of postcolonial theory for its tools to interpret and subsequently understand said history and issues, and what these are predicated upon. The theoretical concepts used are derived from Homi K. Bhabha, and include ‘ambivalence’, ‘mimicry’ and ‘sly civility’.

The project concludes that postcolonial theory can afford a different way in which to perceive and understand the policy of abstention in a few different ways. Most significant of these is Bhabha’s concept of ‘sly civility’, and how it highlights how subjects of colonialism can oppose this rule in favor of their own goals, by using the legitimized channels afforded to them by their status as being included in a colonial relationship.
With this being said, however, it is the thesis’ contention that, specifically the concepts of Bhabha, are much more suited for study of culture and literature. Instead, critical theorists such as Foucault and Gramsci serve a better and more direct use case.

Furthermore, on the basis of three scenarios for the future, it is also the thesis’ contention, that the key to improving relations between the UK and Northern Ireland could arise through greater influence in the UK parliament.