A political history of the SDLP and Sinn Fein, from the onset of The Troubles in 1970 to the present day. It outlines the ideological and electoral rivalry between the two parties and assesses the contribution of both to the reshaping of modern nationalist politics in Northern Ireland.

Drawing on interviews with prominent Sinn Fein members, the authors examine the dynamics of Republican politics since 1970, explaining why armed struggle was replaced by electoral politics, and why Sinn Fein is likely to consolidate its position as the primary representative of Northern Ireland's nationalists.