Above: Map of Ireland

The uneasy calm in Northern Ireland began to break by the middle of the 1960′s. Liberal Unionists were far from happy with Protestants remaining in power. Roman Catholics, inspired by the civil rights agitation of the Afro-Americans once more began to find their voice. In 1968 Londonderry and Belfast saw outbreaks of sporadic violence between the two sects.

Above: Anti-Treaty IRA troops walking in Dublin

Guerilla tactics were undertaken by a newly revived wing of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) to protect the Catholics in the north. Its goal was to accelerate the quick departure of British forces and the bringing about an end to Protestant supremacy. In retaliation the Protestants formed their own paramilitary units.

Above: Armor-car destroyed during patrol in South Armagh

This volatile situation led to the arrival of more British forces in the 1970′s, ostensibly for the purpose of maintaining peace. But the Catholics resented the arrival of a foreign power. Britain’s Conservative Government, under Heath, reacted in March 1972 by suspending the Government of Northern Ireland and appointing a Minister to be responsible for the province till December 1999. Political move was backed up by the armed presence of Britain. Martial law became operative in all spheres of administration but violence continued unabated with casualty figures touching a new high during 1971 to 1976. From the 80′s matters began to improve but intermittent political assassinations continued.

Above: unionist and orange combined protesting against the Anglo-Irish agreement of 1985

Side by side with armed posturing continued talks for reconciliation but the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 greatly disappointed the Unionists when the Republic of Ireland was allowed a consultative role in the affairs of the region.

Above: Sinn Fein leaders celebrating during the Downing Street Declaration

Talks were held in 1990 between the major constitutional parties but the Sinn Fein and the paramilitary units of the Unionists were excluded because of their continuation with terrorism. In the Downing Street Declaration of 1993 guidelines were laid for the implementation of a peace process. Northern Ireland was to be assured self-determination and Britain promised to recognize a unified Ireland if this was the wish of the majority. Britain also agreed to give up its constitutional claim on Northern Ireland if a political settlement did take place preceded by peace.

Above: A Terrorist aiming with AK-47; a gesture of fierce and violence

As a good gesture both the terrorist units declared an end to their path of violence in 1994. There were to be only unarmed non-violent protests by groups. In early 1995 the peace process improved with the declaration in the Framework Document. It recognized Ireland’s claim to Ulster as well as the right of the people there to shape their own future. The whole idea was to negate the view of the terrorists who all along held that a political solution to the problem was out of the question. At this juncture the influence of the latter began to wane, with the general public being hungry for peace.

Below: Flag of Ireland (left) and Ireland’s Patron – Saint Patrick’s flag (right)