The first Northern Ireland peace process : power-sharing, Sunningdale and the IRA Ceasefires, 1972-76

The First Northern Ireland Peace Process covers the various attempts to end the 'Troubles' from 1972-76. These attempts included secret talks with the Provisional IRA and a parallel process to build a political consensus between the British and Irish Governments and the main constitutional parties in Northern Ireland. "Using archival sources, including the papers of one of the Provisional IRA's Army Council, The First Northern Ireland Peace Process examines the attempt from 1972-76 to end the 'Troubles.' It also answers why this process failed. With parallels to the later Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments negotiated a power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland and an 'Irish Dimension.' The book examines this administration and also explores the secret talks, brokered by MI6, to persuade the Provisional IRA to end its armed struggle and enter into the political process"-- Provided by publisher Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-8 ‘Talking to Terrorists’: British Government Contacts with the IRA 1972–74....Pages 9-39 Power-Sharing and the Council of Ireland: The Evolution of Irish and British Policy Strategies 1972–73....Pages 40-77 Power-Sharing....Pages 78-110 Sunningdale....Pages 111-147 A New Ceasefire: British and Republican Dialogue 1974–75....Pages 148-187 British-IRA Talks 1975–76....Pages 188-233 Conclusion....Pages 234-239 Back Matter....Pages 240-260