What successes did John Major’s government have in Northern Ireland? In this lesson, we will: Describe the key events in the Troubles between 1990 and 1996. Starter: Read this article provided to you and highlight any evidence of success that Major had in Northern Ireland.

How did the Troubles escalate after 1990? Two months after his takeover of the Party, the IRA launched an attack on 10 Downing Street. From a parked van, mortar bombs were fired directly at Downing Street. Four police officers were injured. In March 1993, a bomb went off in Warrington killing 13 people and wounding 50. In April 1993, one person was killed and 40 injured when a lorry was blown up in London. It caused over £1 billion worth of damage to buildings in Bishopsgate. In protest, thousands began to take to the streets to hold peaceful rallies against the IRA in Belfast, Dublin and London

‘Unofficial’ contact was made between the British government and Sinn Feinn between 1990 and 194. Sinn Fein convinced IRA leaders that the Downing Street Declaration accepted their position on the status of Northern Ireland. Major assured loyalist groups that his government was not looking to support a United Ireland. Ceasfire did not last long. Continued violence in Northern Ireland from 1996 to 1998. Paramilitary groups from both sides did not trust each other. Both the IRA and loyalist groups announced a ceasfire in August and October 1994.

Continued violence – IRA bomb in Manchester, UVF stabbing in Dungaddon. In 1995, President Clinton visited Dublin and Belfast Senator George Mitchell set up an international commission to consider the Irish issue. Major welcomed America’s involvement as a way of achieving peace. The Mitchell Report (1996) suggested six priciples to achieving peace – the main one was decommissioning. Major announced talks would begin at Stormont for peace. Gerry Adams announced Sinn Fein would agree to the principles of the Mitchell Report.

Learning Task Analyse Private Eye’s interpretation of Northern Irish policy between 1990 and 1997. What does it refer to? Is it accurate? Pay attention to: “Together again” “We’re both useless”