UNIT 6- Direct Rule Flashcards
When was direct rule reintroduced?
1972
Why was direct rule introduced?
-After the escalation of violence in late 1960s and early 1970s, Britain demanded control.
-The Stormont government were deemed incapable of handling the deteriorating situation.
-Security forces were also overstretched and could not not deal with the vast amounts of violence.
-After lengthy negotiations, the entire Northern Ireland government resigned. On March 24th Prime Minster of the UK (Edward Heath) suspends Stormont for one year; this was later extended.
-Increase of loyalist violence (including formation of the UDA & increased UVF membership)- appearance of lack of control on the part of the government.
-Policy & military failures (Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday, etc.) showed instability. Bad light for both gov.
-Faulkner demanded to rearm the RUC and to re-establish the B-Specials but Conservative government countered with a demand to control law and order,
What were the unionist responses to direct rule?
-Horrified as they had seen Stormont as a barrier against a united Ireland.
-Ulster Vanguard organised protests at Stormont’s suspension on March 28th with a crowd of 100 000.
-Shut down much life in NI for two days but did not reopen Stormont.
-Increased support for loyalist paramilitaries and a spate of sectarian killings (particularly in Belfast).
-Support for the DUP and other strongly unionist parties increased.
What were the nationalist responses to direct rule?
-Glad
-SDLP & Dublin government welcomed the chance of a new beginning.
-The IRA (despite achieving one of its aims) started its opposition to direct rule & announced its determination to continue its struggle to achieve a united Ireland.
-NICRA stated that its campaign for civil rights would continue.
After the escalation of violence in ___ ____ ______ and ___ _____ ______, Britain demanded control
The late 1960s and early 1970s
What did the Northern Ireland government do in response to the length conversations with the Conservatives in 1972?
They all resigned
When did Edward Heath suspend the Stormont government and for how long?
March 24th for one year but this was later extended.
What policy and military failings showed instability from both governments?
-Battle of the Bogside
-Bloody Sunday
-Falls Road Curfew
-Ambush at Burntollet
etc.
Who organised protests at Stormont’s suspension? How many people turned up?
28th March with 100 000
Increased support for who took place after the announcement of direct rule?
Loyalist paramilitaries and strongly unionist parties like the DUP.
After the announcement of direct rule, what did the Dublin government and the SDLP do?
Welcome the chance of a new beginning.
What was the IRA response to the announcement of direct rule?
The IRA (despite achieving one of its aims) stated its opposition to direct rule and announced its determination to continue its struggle to achieve a united Ireland.
What were the NICRA responses to the announcement of direct rule?
NICRA stated that its campaign to achieve civil rights would continue.
