This article analyses how the war against terrorism has affected political perceptions in Northern Ireland. After the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, Irish republican groups such as Sinn Fin and the Provisional IRA had to adjust to a political climate less sympathetic to organisations associated with terrorism. Unionists on the other hand sought to take advantage by attempting to link perceptions of republicanism to Islamic extremism. Though somewhat successful, their efforts did not convince the British government to change course from an approach of accommodation, as demonstrated by Tony Blair's 2005 public distinction between the IRA and Al Qaeda. Using structured interviews with Northern Irish political figures, this article examines how the context of the 'war on terror' has influenced the political rivalries between unionism and republicanism.