Northern Ireland Sovereignty Referendum 1973

1. Northern Ireland Sovereignty Referendum 1973 Alex and Bryce

2. Background • There had been a longstanding dispute over self determination since the formation of the Republic of Ireland • Unionists believed that Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK • Their opposition, which was mainly Catholic, opposed this and wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland • 1972 the Northern Irish parliament was abolished

3. Who v. who? United Kingdom This was supported by the Unionist Parties, Northern Ireland Labour Party and the Alliance Party. They were largely supporter by protestants, who’s heritage lay in Great Britain. However a quarter of Catholics favoured this option. United Ireland Supported by the Social Democratic and Labour Party, however they called for their members to ignore the referendum. Support for this option was largely from Catholics who had been separated from the rest of Ireland when the republic was given home rule.

4. Violence • Civil authorities made preparations for violence on Polling day • 2 days before the referendum a British soldier, Anton Brown, was shot dead in Belfast as the army searched for weapons

5. Results Proposal one: “Do you want Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom” • 591,820 Votes • 98.9% of the votes • 57.5% of the electorate Proposal two: “Do you want Northern Ireland to be joined with the Republic of Ireland outside the United Kingdom” • 6,463 Votes • 1.1% of the votes • 0.6% of the electorate Non Voters • 41.3% of the electorate • 1.0% of the ballot was spoiled

6. Reactions • Government of the UK took no action as the result was in favour with the status quo • The secretary of State, Jim Prior, decided not to hold another referendum on the grounds that the outcome was obvious