Honestly, if you're looking to understand the issue as a whole, you'll have to go back to before the Troubles.

Start with The Two Irelands, by David Fitzpatrick.

Also check out The Glory of Being Britons, by John Bew.

You may also want to check out The Fenian Ideal and Irish Nationalism, by M.J. Kelly.

Those three are a good start to understanding the underlying issues. Particularly Bew's work. Fitzpatrick's theory in The Two Irelands is a bit dated, but it's still some food for thought, and a worthwhile read. Kelly's book will help with the "southern" perspective.

in the absence of any other replies, you might try these. Caution is needed as both writers are a little too close to the situation: Rosita Sweeten 'On Our Knees' 1972 Pan Special ISBN 0 330 23320 3 Maria McGuire To Take Arms' 1973 Macmillan ISBN 333 14506 2

For fiction there is always Lionel Shriver 'Ordinary Decent Criminals' 1990 Harper Collins

But look, there is a whole genre of Irish history and literature which is referred to local as 'troubles writing'. Hundreds of books. Try to search through Irish sites.

Northern Ireland: the reluctant peace by dr Feargal Cochrane is excellent