What did the IRA want from Britain?
The Irish Republican Army (IRA; Irish: Óglaigh na hÉireann), also known as the Provisional Irish Republican Army, and informally as the Provos, was an Irish republican paramilitary organisation that sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland, facilitate Irish reunification and bring about an independent, socialist …
What did the IRA do to British soldiers?
In 1987, the IRA carried out almost 300 shooting and bombing attacks, killing 31 RUC, UDR and British Army personnel and 20 civilians, while injuring 100 security forces and 150 civilians. In 1990, IRA attacks killed 30 soldiers and RUC members and injured 340. In 1992, the figure for IRA attacks was 426.
Was there a secret 20-year ‘back channel’ between the IRA and Britain?
The full extent of a secret 20-year “back channel” between the British government and the IRA is revealed today by Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, who declares that the peace process might never have been possible without the link.
Why did the IRA split into two factions?
In 1969, demanding British withdrawal from Northern Ireland but differing on tactics, the IRA split into two factions: officials and provisionals. Officials sought independence through peace, while the provisionals used violence to further its efforts, which resulted in an estimated 1,800 deaths, including more than 600 civilians.
Did Thatcher really not negotiate with the IRA?
“That was all to do with the government’s insistence, Mrs Thatcher’s insistence, that she did not negotiate with terrorists, she did not and would not negotiate with the IRA. “The documents clearly indicate that that was nonsense, that was going on all the time behind the scene.”.
What happened to the IRA in the UK in 1996?
Feb. 9, 1996 : The IRA ends the ceasefire when it bombs the Dockland’s area of London, killing two and injuring more than 100 people and causing an estimated £150 million worth of damage. Sept. 15, 1997: For the first time since Ireland’s 1922 split, Britain meets with Sinn Fein to negotiate in formal peace talks.