The conspiracy theory of the peace process is a dangerous myth

Originally published at SpinWatch and OurKingdom.

There's no doubt that the Queen's meeting with Martin McGuinness this week was gesture politics, and even if the historic handshake was a profoundly meaningful gesture, a certain weary cynicism is understandable after two decades of the peace process.

Some reactions to the visit, however, reflect a deeper malaise, a narrative that sees the peace process as less about democratic reconciliation and more about shadowy manipulation.  This emerging orthodoxy has taken root among a diverse coalition of conservatives, unionists and dissident republicans.