Direct Rule And Power Sharing Flashcards
Why was direct rule introduced
March 1972, this year had been the bloodiest year of troubles so far.
What was direct rule
It was the transfer of total security control to Westminster.
A referendum on the future of the border
The gradual removal of internment
A Secretary of State for NI
Talks with other parties to establish a “community government”
Reactions to direct rule
Unionists were horrified at the removal of stormount, which they had seen as a barrier against a United ireland. 100,000 came to stormount in protest. This led to strikes and shutdowns.
DUP support increases
UDA and UVF membership and actions go up
SDLP and Dublin government welcomed changes for new beginning
Examples of violence in 1972
Bloodiest year of troubles (approximately 500 deaths)
Republican example- Bloody Friday 21st of July. 20 IRA bombs across Belfast. 9 civilian deaths.
Claudy Bombing - 31st July IRA bomb. 9 civilian deaths.
Loyalist example- unionists started to be interned in Feb 1973. This resulted in 20 deaths.
What was operation motorman
It was the British Governments attempt to reclaim territory that was being controlled by paramilitaries. 31st of July 1972.
What were the reasons for the introduction of power sharing?
Direct Rule was received with hostility, DUP membership increased
Huge levels of violence which direct rule had not solved
8th March referendum on the matter 57% in favour.
What was the main problem with power sharing in 1973
It was supposed to work how it works today, however many unionists were against it. 24 unionists were for it but 26 unionists elected were against it.
What was the sunningdale agreement
It was an agreement made that established two main things
The executive (an NI assembly)
The Irish dimension (a council of the Irish government to have a say in NI)
What were the problems with the executive
Nationalists were concerned that unionists had been given too much power as they had a lot of seats therefore they couldn’t outvote them
Members found it difficult to work with politicians that had formerly been opposition.
What were the problems with the Irish dimension
The ROI couldn’t be persuaded to officially recognise NI or introduce extradition laws to permit people suspected of crimes in NI to be returned and stand trial
The role of the Irish dimension was unclear but it was vital for power sharing to work as it gave nationalist a backing.
How did the loyalist community react to the sunningdale agreement?
Loyalists protested by gong on strike as part of the the Ulster workers council (UWC) . This strike caused the province to come to a stand still. This showed that NI was against power sharing.
