The Troubles In Northern Ireland

Question 1

What problems in Northern Ireland did Heath inherit?

Answer 1

-explosion of sectarian violence
-Br army struggling keep the peace
-political situation in Belfast close to complete breakdown

Question 2

What paramilitary organisations were formed?

Answer 2

-republican — IRA (Irish republican army) + INLA (Irish national liberation army)
-loyalist — UDA (Ulster defence association) + UVF (Ulster volunteer force)

Question 3

What strenuous attempts did Heath make to find a solution?

Answer 3

-1912 ulster unionists always part of cons + unionist party - tended support them
-Heath backed Faulkner (UUP leader) who led Belfast gov along with policies imposing night curfew + internment 1971

Question 4

What were the limitations of these attempts made by Heath?

Answer 4

-ineffective security measures
-alienated nationalist communities - 95% interned 1971-75 were catholics + McVeigh IRA commander said internment ‘best recruiting tool for IRA)

Question 5

What did these measures mean?

Answer 5

-Br army regarded as enemy occupying power by catholics + nationalists
-situation worse 30th Jan — NI civil rights association organised protest against internment

Question 6

What happened during the NI civil rights association march?

Answer 6

-Br soldiers fired live ammunition
-26 unarmed civilians shot + 13 killed in one day
-become known as Bloody Sunday

Question 7

What happened following Bloody Sunday?

Answer 7

-Br embassy in Dublin burned down
-support for IRA grew
-Heath suspended storming parl march 1972 + brought direct rule from Westminster + appointed Whitelaw Secretary state

Question 8

Why was 1972 regarded the bloodiest year for the troubles?

Answer 8

-1382 explosions
-10268 shooting incidents
-480 killed

Question 9

What was Heaths policy regarding the current troubles?

Answer 9

-not only defeat IRA
-but to look for permanent political solution to ensure peace
-led to negotiations with main NI parties