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Direct Rule. Direct rule simply meant that the governing of Northern Ireland was to be controlled from Westminster instead of Stormont. This was the result of the troubles and the proposals that the British government had put forward to the Northern Ireland government. Mr B. DEANE.
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Direct Rule Direct rule simply meant that the governing of Northern Ireland was to be controlled from Westminster instead of Stormont. This was the result of the troubles and the proposals that the British government had put forward to the Northern Ireland government. Mr B. DEANE
Learning Objectives: • To gather an understanding of what direct rule means. • To gain knowledge on how this happened and what it meant for politics in Northern Ireland. • How did the different political spectrums react to the introduction of Direct Rule.
How did this happen? • Faulkner Tries to Regain Control: • Faulkner demanded the power to rearm the RUC and to re-establish the B Specials. However the Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath responded by demanding control of law and order and justice. • Faulkner refused. • On the 22 March 1972 senior members of the Stormont Cabinet travelled to London for what they believed would be a top level talks with the British Government about the situation in Northern Ireland. Once there however, Heath informed them that certain changes were being proposed.
What were these changes? • The transfer of security control to Westminster • The holding of a referendum on the future border • The introduction of moves designed to allow the removal of internment • The appointment of a Secretary of State for Northern Ireland • The holding of talks with other parties in Northern Ireland in an attempt to establish a ‘community government’.
What do you think the Unionist reaction would be to these proposals? • The entire Northern Ireland Government resigned, unable to accept the loss over security policy. • As a result on the 24 March Heath responded by suspending Stormont for a year (later extended) and introducing Direct Rule. • From now on Northern Ireland was to be ruled directly by the British Government in London with a team of ministers, led by the Secretary of State, taking over the functions of the Stormont Cabinet. William Whitelaw was appointed as the Noth’s first Secretary of State The United Kingdom Government believes that the transfer of law and order to Westminster is vital for progress in finding a political solution in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Government’s decision therefore leaves us with no alternative to assuming full and direct responsibility for the administration of Northern Ireland until a political solution to the problems of the province can be worked out
Reactions to the end of Stormont • In many ways it was a predictable reaction. The Unionists were horrified. They had seen Stormont as a barrier against a united Ireland. The last hours were played out on the 28 March before a crowd of around 100,000. This came in the midst of a series of massive strikes and shutdowns, organised by Vanguard (Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party -) in protest of the suspension. The strikes were successful at shutting down much of life in Northern Ireland for two days but were not successful in their bid to open Stormont
William Craig "We are no longer protesting - we are demanding action." "We must build up the dossiers on the men and women who are a menace to this country, because one day, ladies and gentlemen, if the politicians fail, it will be our duty to liquidate the enemy".
Nationalist Reactions • Few tears were shed for Stormont on the nationalist side, with the SDLP and the Dublin Government welcoming the chances of a new beginning. The IRA, although it had achieved one of its aims, stated its opposition to Direct Rule and announced its determination to continue its struggle to achieve a united Ireland. Many on the Naionalist side welcomed the steps away from Stormont initially, however this attitude was to change as the years progresses. Indeed as Eddie Mc Ateer highlighted. I’d rather be ruled by a Protestant Irishman than an Englishman
Task • Refer back to our learning intentions. Have we met them. Write up your answers for each of the learning intentions • Write up a newspaper report on the introduction of Direct Rule. In the article you must illustrate the feelings of both communities: • Include: • Background- What events led to the introduction of direct rule? • What was the reaction of the Unionist community? Pay close attention to the Vanguard. • What about the Nationalist community? Are people happy? How has the IRA reacted to the news? • Include a catchy headline • Interviews • Use the internet to help you gather information on the events
