The Changing Republican Strategy Flashcards
What were some reasons for the hunger strikes 1980-81?
Special category status for prisoners who claimed to have broken the law for political reasons was removed in march 1976. This was under a policy called criminalisation.
What was the first protest by IRA prisoners?
Blanket protest: refusal to wear prison clothes, wearing blankets instead.
What was the second protest performed by the IRA?
Dirty protest, 1978: smearing excrement on the walls of their cells.
When did the first hunger take place?
1980
How effective was the first hunger strike?
Not very. It was organised by IRA prisoners.
When did the second hunger strike commence?
March 1st. 1981
Who led the second hunger strike, and was the first to go on strike?
Bobby Sands.
What was the plan for the second hunger strike?
Bobby Sands started the strike, and then a new prisoner joined him every week. This would eventually lead to a prisoner dying every week, putting more pressure on the government.
When was Bobby sands put forward as an MP?
Why?
5th march 1981
Frank Maguire, the MP for Fermanagh-south Tyrone died. Bobby Sands was put forward as an MP and eventually won.
When did Bobby sands die?
5th May 1981
How many prisoners died on strike by 3rd October 1981?
9
How many people died during the violence that erupted due to the strikes?
61
How did the government react during the strike?
Refused to grant concessions.
When was the second strike called off?
Late October 1981.
What concessions were granted after the strike?
Prisoners allowed to wear their own clothes
50% reduction in length of sentence by those involved in protests.
Greater number of prison visits permitted
Greater degree of association among prisoners would be allowed.
