Northern Ireland: Direct Rule - 1972

Question 1

Why was Direct Rule introduced

Answer 1

Failure of Internment and events of Bloody Sunday

Question 2

What did Brian Faulkner ask London for.

Answer 2

Permission to bring back B Specials and allow RUC to carry guns again.

Question 3

How did London respond to Brian Faulkner demands

Answer 3

Instead asked to take over law and order of NI. Faulkner rejected this request and London decided to take control of things

Question 4

What did the British Government announce it was doing in March 1972 in relation to control of NI

Answer 4

Taking control of security in Northern Ireland.
Appointing member of BG to take care of running of NI
Going to gradually end internment
Planning to hold a referendum on whether or not there should be a border between NI and ROI
Going to talk to NI politicians to see if a government made up of members from all parties could be set up

Question 5

What did the Stormont Government do in response to the BG announcements in March 1972

Answer 5

Resign in protest. THis led to the shut down of parliament and start Direct Rule

Question 6

Who was the first Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Answer 6

William White Law

Question 7

SDLP and Irish Government reaction to end of Stormont

Answer 7

Delighted saw end of Stormont as providing opportunity of a new start for NI

Question 8

IRA reaction to the end of Stormont

Answer 8

Welcomed end of Stormont
Less than happy of a Secretary of State. Saw Direct Rule as evidence of British Imperialism

Question 9

Unionist reaction to end of Stormont

Answer 9

leaders outraged at closing down of their Parliament. Massive protests organised by Ulster Vanguard but the LG continued its plans. There was also an increase in support for Loyalist paramilitaries.
Support for DUP increased

Question 10

NICRA reaction to end of Stormont

Answer 10

stated its campaign for Civil rights would continue