A. cease-fire in 1994, Clinton and senior aides stepped up the frequency of meetings with Protestant Unionist leaders who had long considered Washington biased toward a united Ireland.

CNN: With Help from Their Friends

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), drew its officers largely from the majority community, Protestant and unionist.

ECONOMIST: Four deaths in the line of duty unite two communities

But though Mr Robinson is not, perhaps, Belfast's most popular politician, he is beyond doubt the ablest exponent of the Protestant and unionist cause.

ECONOMIST: Northern Ireland