![The Provisional IRA The Provisional IRA](https://123library.org/images/books/262901.png?w=254&h=360&fit=&c=2&assets_cache=20240420035016)
Additional Information
Book Details
Abstract
This book analyses the underlying reasons behind the formation of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), its development, where this current in Irish republicanism is at present and its prospects for the future.
Tommy McKearney, a former IRA member who was part of the 1980 hunger strike, challenges the misconception that the Provisional IRA was only, or even wholly, about ending partition and uniting Ireland. He argues that while these objectives were always the core and headline demands of the organisation, opposition to the old Northern Ireland state was a major dynamic for the IRA's armed campaign. As he explores the makeup and strategy of the IRA he is not uncritical, examining alternative options available to the movement at different periods, arguing that its inability to develop a clear socialist programme has limited its effectiveness and reach.
This authoritative and engaging history provides a fascinating insight into the workings and dynamics of a modern resistance movement.
'A reminder, whether agreeing with the arguments presented or otherwise, of the need for debate concerning the past, the present and the future'
Pete Shirlow, School of Law, Queen's University Belfast
'One of those 'must read' books for anyone interested either in the struggle within Northern Ireland itself or in the overall relationship between England and Ireland'
Tim Pat Coogan, former editor of the Irish Press and author of The I.R.A (1970; 2000).
'If we had to choose one person who served in the ranks of the IRA to contextualise the organisation's development from revolution to reform it would be Tommy McKearney'
Anthony McIntyre, former IRA volunteer and ex-prisoner
Table of Contents
Section Title | Page | Action | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Cover | Cover | ||
Contents | vii | ||
List of Figures | viii | ||
Preface | ix | ||
Acknowledgement | xii | ||
Introduction: From Orange State to Sectarian State | 1 | ||
1. Police Batons Respond to Demand for Civil Rights | 20 | ||
2. Unionist Determination to Deny Democracy | 33 | ||
3. The Violent Storms of August '69 | 47 | ||
4. Widespread Conflict Looms | 55 | ||
5. An Emerging Force | 66 | ||
6. Training People for Insurrection? | 74 | ||
7. Attempting to Quell the Insurgency by Bloodshed and Blandishment | 81 | ||
8. Irish Republicanism and Class | 90 | ||
9. The Political and Military Strategy of the Provisional IRA | 101 | ||
10. The War in England | 119 | ||
11. Britain's Response | 128 | ||
12. Reviewing Strategy in the Mid-1970s | 137 | ||
13. The Gradual Adoption of Parliamentarianism | 144 | ||
14. Options and Opportunities | 156 | ||
15. The Road Less Travelled ... The Left Alternative | 164 | ||
16. Parliamentary Sinn Féin, 'Surrender and Re-grant' | 172 | ||
17. From Armalites to Populist Conformity | 183 | ||
18. General Election Upset in the South | 192 | ||
19. The End of a Journey | 201 | ||
20. A New Republic and a Relevant Republicanism | 207 | ||
Notes | 215 | ||
Index | 229 |