How did Wilson's and Callaghan's Government respond to the troubles? Flashcards
1
Q
What happened in NI?
A
- Wilson inherited many problems.
- In May 1974 only 3 months after Wilson had become PM the province was paralysed by a massive 15 day strike organised by the pro-Paisley Ulster Workers’ Council (UWC) in protest against the Sunningdale Agreement. The Strike severely limited power and telecommunications and the British government declared a state of emergency.
- Merlyn Rees, the NI Secretary, tried to take a tough line, refusing to negotiate with the UWC. Wilson backed him.
- Power sharing seemed dead in the water, Wilson was forced to re-impose direct rule.
-The Sunningdale Agreement collapsed
2
Q
What did the governments do to solve the problems?
A
- A NI act was introduced in 1974, which created the constitutional convention, a way of reintroducing the power-sharing principle.
- The Ulster Unionist presented a resolution prepared by Ian Paisley, declaring that they didn’t accept the right of republicans to take part in any future cabinet in NI.
- The British government’s formal dissolution of it in 1976, after barely a year in existence, was recognition of what had already happened
- In order to maintain its hard line policy towards terrorism - government removed ‘special category status’ for prisoners serving sentences in NI for terrorist attacks.
- Callaghan tried to talk of a settlement but many factors made it unrealistic - it was difficult to make political concessions to moderate nationalists without appearing to be giving into terrorism.
3
Q
Why did the governments fail to respond to the troubles?
A
- The government withdrew ‘special category status’ - led to protests - blanket protests - either naked or only wore blankets
- Escalated to become the ‘dirty protest’ after 1975 - by 1979 over 250 prisoners were taking part in the protests and demands were growing
