12/01/05 13:04 EST
BLAIR ACCUSED OF BAD FAITH IN OTR LEGISLATION
Granting amnesties to British soldiers and security agents will cause deep hurt to victims of their alleged crimes, it was claimed today. Sinn Fein accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair of a breach of faith for including security personnel in legislation originally aimed at paramilitary fugitives. The controversial Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill passed through its second stage in the House of Commons last month. Irish Premier Bertie Ahern has already said he had no advance knowledge that British soldiers would be included under its terms.
11/28/05 08:56 EST
GOV.T WILL PRESS AHEAD WITH OTR LEGISLATION - AHERN
The Irish Government must press ahead with granting presidential pardons to paramilitary fugitives, Irish premier Bertie Ahern said today. The mechanism to grant amnesties to the so called on-the-runs (OTRs) has been criticised by Opposition parties as being constitutionally dubious and hurtful to victims of unsolved crimes. But Mr Ahern said the issue of pardons for OTRs had been in the pipeline since 2001 and had to be resolved to continue momentum in the North's peace process.
11/22/05 14:03 EST
OPERATION OF NORTH-SOUTH BODIES TO CONTINUE
North-South bodies set up under the Good Friday Agreement will continue working for another 12 months to fill the political vacuum in Northern Ireland, it emerged tonight. The six institutions cover inland waterways, agriculture, food safety, the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages, European Union funding programmes, and trade and business development. Their periods of operation were due to expire next month but the Irish Government today approved extensions to allow them to continue to work for another year. A formal announcement on the matter is expected to be made by Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs later this week.
11/22/05 10:44 EST
HAIN ANNOUNCES REFORM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State has unveiled plans for the reorganisation of public bodies that will radically change the way North is governed. The changes follow a Review of Public Administration that was set up by Stormont and will result in a reduction of the number of district councils from 26 to seven. Each council - three in the west, three in the east, and a council in Belfast - will have a maximum of 50 councillors each.
11/18/05 12:07 EST
PAISLEY CALLS FOR HAIN'S RESIGNATION
The DUP has held a "forthright meeting" with Irish premier Bertie Ahern in Dublin. Party leader Ian Paisley said he warned the Irish government of the implications of allowing NI MPs to speak in the Dublin parliament. He claimed the idea was short-sighted and would represent a quasi-constitutional claim on Northern Ireland, which he maintained had frustrated political progress for decades. Mr. Paisley also called on Secretary of State Peter Hain to resign over reported comments that the current Northern Ireland economy was unsustainable and needed to be put on an all-Ireland footing.
11/18/05 11:17 EST
NORTH'S ECONOMY UNSUSTAINABLE IN LONG TERM - HAIN
Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain has been quoted in a US interview as advocating the development of a single all-Ireland economy. Mr Hain was reported to have told the New York-based Irish Echo : "In future decades, it is going to be increasingly difficult to look at the economy of north and south except as a sort of island of Ireland economy. We are deepening north-south co-operation in a number of areas. The Northern Ireland economy, though it is doing better than ever in its history, is not sustainable in the long-term."
"I don't want the Northern Ireland economy to be a dependent economy as it is now, with a sort of UK, 'big brother' umbrella over it. It needs to be much more self-sufficient, so that's what we're trying to do."
However the remarks were branded disgraceful by DUP Assembly member George Dawson. Mr Dawson accused the Northern Secretary of jeopardising the North's economy after he was quoted as saying it was not sustainable in the long-run.
11/15/05 11:09 EST
IRISH GOV.T PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR FINUCANE PUBLIC INQUIRY
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has pledged to maintain pressure on the British government to establish a full independent and public inquiry into the murder of Belfast human rights attorney Pat Finucane. Speaking after a meeting with the family of the Belfast attorney - murdered by the UDA in 1989 - Mr Ahern said the Government would continue to articulate the need to have "as full an inquiry as possible, not moving one iota in relation to our principled stand for a full independent inquiry."
11/15/05 00:58 EST
FINUCANES INSIST ON PUBLIC INQUIRY - NOTHING LESS
The widow and family of murdered Belfast human rights attorney Pat Finucane are to meet Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern today to raise their concerns over the proposed format of an inquiry into the killing. The family and Mr Justice Peter Cory, the retired Canadian supreme court judge who recommended holding an inquiry into the brutal 1989 UDA murder, have all rejected its terms under the Inquiries Act 2005. The new laws allow for sections of the probe to be heard in private.
The Finucanes have insisted they will not co-operate unless all evidence is heard in public. They believe the restrictions would hinder the independence of the inquiry, damaging both its effectiveness and openness.
However, the British Government has so far resisted pressure to have a completely public probe, raising questions over its ability to fulfil its remit to establish whether there was official British collusion in Mr Finucane's murder.
11/13/05 10:39 EST
AHERN ACCUSED OF DOUBLE STANDARDS
Ireland's premier was today accused of double standards after he ruled out ever having Sinn Féin as a coalition partner in government. Democratic Unionist MP Nigel Dodds warned Mr Ahern not to expect his party 'to stomach' in Northern Ireland what he would not accept in the Republic. In comments yesterday, Mr Ahern said he would lead Fianna Fáil into Opposition rather than consider going into a coalition government with Sinn Féin. "Even a radical overhaul of Sinn Fein economic policy would have little real credibility after 35 years of Marxism," the Taoiseach said.
"I believe Sinn Féin are agents of poverty and disadvantage. I believe the very notion of Sinn Féin in government would lead to a flight of investment, which is untenable in a small open economy. For the good of the country, we cannot accept those policies in government. A practical republican programme delivering real benefits for ordinary people would be impossible with Sinn Féin in government."
11/06/05 12:45 EST
IRELAND WILL BE UNITED IN MY LIFETIME - ADAMS
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams predicted last night that Ireland would be united within his lifetime. At an event to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Sinn Féin Party, the West Belfast MP said the IRA's pledge to end all violence and disarm completely had transformed the political landscape. But he urged republicans to work with unionists in order to achieve their goal.
Mr Adams said: "The type of Ireland we want to create involves the coming together of Orange and Green on the basis of equality and respect. Republicanism is about much more than re-uniting Ireland. Republicanism is about equality. There is now the wealth in this state to make that a reality."
11/02/05 11:45 EST
ADAMS DECRIES LACK OF SUPPORT FOR UNITY
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has criticsed the Irish Government and the main Opposition parties for failing to support his party's motion in support of a united Ireland. The motion calls on the Government to draw up a green paper to prepare for the political, social, economic and cultural unification of the island and to engage in dialogue with unionists. Outside the gates of the Dail (Irish parliament) this evening, Mr Adams said he could not understand the lack of support from the Irish Government and opposition parties.
10/31/05 11:36 EST
LVF ANNOUNCMENT TO STAND DOWN WELCOMED
A Loyalist Volunteer Force announcement that it has order its military units to stand down has been described as an important and necessary step by the Irish Goverment. The terror group ceased its operations at midnight in a direct response to the IRA`s decision to decommission its weapons arsenal. It also follows a formal end to the feud between the LVF and the rival UVF. Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern has welcomed the LVF announcement.
10/29/05 11:18 EST
LOYALIST RALLY PASSES OFF WITHOUT INCIDENT
A large loyalist rally in Belfast has passed off without incident. Security around the event was tight but police remained at a distance. Up to 5,000 people attended the 'I Love Ulster' rally, a far cry from the 30,000 organisers had predicted some weeks ago. Speakers accused the British government of ignoring the Protestant people. The inaugural Love Ulster rally heard speakers from the church, Orange Order and victims' groups criticise Tony Blair and Perer Hain. Armoured police Land Rovers monitored the parade as it made its way along the Shankill Road before protestors assembled on a muddy football field in Woodvale Park, north Belfast.
10/27/05 11:40 EST
STRONG REACTION TO DAIL PARTICIPATION FOR NORTH'S MP'S
A senior Ulster Unionist was tonight seeking an urgent meeting with Irish premier Bertie Ahern over moves to invite Northern Ireland's MPs to take part in a special committee in the Irish Republic's parliament. In a letter to party leaders in the Irish Republic, Mr Ahern revealed he was hoping to set up a committee in the Dail which would involve the nine Democratic unionist MPs, five Sinn Fein, three SDLP and one Ulster Unionist MP. However, the Taoiseach was accused by former UUP Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt of striking out the principle of unity by consent in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
"At one stroke the Taoiseach has undermined the principle of consent. He has acquiesced in proposals, which seek to introduce a united Ireland by stealth," the South Down MLA said. "He has shown himself to be an accomplice in Sinn Fein`s crime of subverting the democratic process. I never cease to be amazed at the chasm in understanding of some nationalists towards the unionist position."
10/22/05 12:53 EST
LOYALISTS MUST DISARM SAYS EMPEY
Loyalist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland must call it a day and begin disarmament, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said today. In his first speech as leader to an Ulster Unionist conference, the former Stormont Economy Minister told delegates in Belfast the IRA had suffered 'a military defeat'. He said that meant loyalists no longer had any excuse to maintain their paramilitary structures.
10/21/05 15:22 EST
LIFT FUNDRAISING SANCTION SAYS BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL GROUP
A bipartisan group of United States Members of Congress has called for a lifting of the moratorium on Sinn Fein fundraising in the US. In a joint-statement released today, the lawmakers urged the U.S. Department of State to lift the fundraising ban immediately. "It is our belief that this decision is unwarranted, and may have a negative and unintended impact on the progress that has been made in the Northern Ireland peace process'" the statement said.
10/19/05 12:29 EST
MBEKI SAYS UNIONISTS MUST NOT FEAR CHANGE
Unionists are fearful of change in Northern Ireland in much the same way as white South Africans were concerned about their future following the fall of apartheid, the country's President, Thabo Mbeki, said today. After a meeting with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams in Pretoria, the African National Congress leader said while great strides had been made recently in the Irish peace process, South Africa could serve as an inspiration for how the transition to a peaceful future could be achieved. And he paid tribute to the IRA for decommissioning all of its weapons. "If we move the process forward in Northern Ireland, we will find the future is much, much better for everyone," Mr Mbeki said.
10/16/05 12:28 EST
AHERN TO SUPPORT LOYALIST MOVE FROM VIOLENCE
Irish premier Bertie Ahern today pledged to support loyalists who wanted to move away from violence and criminality. Mr Ahern said that in the wake of IRA decommissioning, loyalism also needed to be carried forward by the tide of opportunity. "I am convinced that there are many within loyalism who wish to play a constructive part in the new landscape of relationships emerging. As with the journey embarked upon by militant Republicans, I recognise that they need space, encouragement and support to move beyond their recent past," he said.
10/15/05 20:58 EST
PUP TO RETAIN LINKS WITH UVF
The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) tonight ruled out severing its links with the Ulster Volunteer Force despite the group's role in a bloody loyalist feud. The party said it would instead work in partnership with all those committed to transforming loyalist communities, including the UVF. "The Progressive Unionist Party is committed to conflict transformation and the processes that empower and build a strong, confident and vibrant loyalist community," it said in a statement.
10/14/05 14:14 EST
WATCHDOG REPORT HANDED TO GOVERNMENTS
Ceasefire watchdogs today handed over a new report on paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland to the British and Irish governments. The latest dossier prepared by the 'Independent' Monitoring Commission is the first since the IRA declared an end to its armed struggle in July. The body`s seventh report also comes after the IRA decommissioned all remaining weapons under the scrutiny of General John de Chastelain`s international disarmament body and two church witnesses. London and Dublin will now study the IMC`s latest assessment before publishing the findings within weeks.
10/11/05 14:38 EST
EARLY 06 TARGET FOR RETURN OF DEVOLUTION
Irish premier Bertie Ahern and the British PM Tony Blair said they would make an effort to resurrect the Northern Ireland Assembly in early 2006. Speaking after a meeting in Downing Street Mr Ahern said: "If we can get that momentum then there is no reason in springtime why we should not be engaged in trying to bring back the institutions again." Mr Blair said: "Ultimately the only stable basis of government in Northern Ireland is devolved government where power is being shared. I certainly feel a sense of urgency about that I and I think the DUP want that to happen as soon as the necessary confidence is there." Mr Ahern went to the talks seeking a blueprint that both governments and all Northern Ireland parties could use as a basis for progress.
10/10/05 16:15 EST
LVF TO ANNOUNCE DISBANDMENT - REPORT
It is understood an announcement could come from the loyalist paramilitary LVF (Loyalist Volunteer Force) this week that it is standing down. The organization formed by Portadown loyalist Billy Wright may be about to end its activities. The news comes as it has been facing the most intense pressure from its terror rivals the Ulster Volunteer Force which this summer alone saw three LVF members gunned down in Belfast.
09/28/05 13:23 EST
IRA ARSENAL DETAILS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED - HAIN
The British government is not going to publish the British security force's estimates of the IRA arsenal, the Northern Ireland secretary has said. Peter Hain said he would not compromise national security by making such estimates public, despite calls from the DUP and Ulster Unionists. The head of the decommissioning body said the weapons destroyed corresponded to estimates from both governments.
09/27/05 08:03 EST
JOINT STATEMENT BY BRITISH AND IRISH GOVERNMENTS
Full text
09/26/05 08:58 EST
IRA DECOMMISSIONS ALL WEAPONS
The Provisional IRA has disposed of all of its arms, the head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) said today. Speaking at a press conference near Belfast, General John de Chastelain said it was an "important milestone" for Northern Ireland and said he hoped the move would prompt other groups to make a similar move. The IRA issued a short statement after the press conference that read: "The leadership of Oglaigh na h-Eireann announced on July 28 that we had authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put arms beyond use." Signed by "P O'Neill", the statement added: "The IRA leadership can now confirm that the process of putting our arms verifiably beyond use has been completed."
Full test of the IICD report.
09/25/05 11:34 EST
IRA DECOMMISSIONING TO BE CONFIRMED TOMORROW
A report confirming that IRA decommissioning has been completed is to be given to the British and Irish governments on Monday. General John de Chastelain, head of the body overseeing the disarmament, is then expected to give a news conference with the two independent witnesses. It is understood the two churchmen who witnessed the process were Fr Alex Reid and ex-methodist president Harold Good. The IRA announced an end to its armed campaign in July.
09/22/05 15:34 EST
ADAMS PREPARES HEARTLAND FOR IRA MOVE
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams told a party conference in the republican heartland of south Armagh this evening that republicans and nationalists will have an unparalleled opportunity for major political advances once the IRA delivers on its peace pledges. As speculation mounts of an imminent IRA move on disarmament, Mr Adams called for supporters to stand firm while accepting that some at grass roots level may still oppose the decommissioning strategy. He said: "I would simply appeal for unity and for people to continue to show the type of discipline and commitment they have shown thus far. We believe, and I think its part of what we have been able to achieve as a leadership, in validating dissent. Republicanism has to be tolerant. Some people have fundamental disagreement with the way we are pursuing this strategy, and I think that's okay."
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Read the full stories at The Irish American Information Service
28 July 2005
IRA STATEMENT:
ARMED CAMPAIGN OVER
The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.
All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever. The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.
We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.
The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers. We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted. The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy.
There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country. It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.
We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives. Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.
There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland.
Irish Republican Army orders an end to armed campaign.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. Our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland.
We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.
10 May 2005
Final Results from Local Elections in North
The DUP have emerged as the biggest party in Northern Ireland's local government election. Sinn Fein came second, the Ulster Unionsts were third and the SDLP were in fourth place in terms of seats.
| Party | Seats | Seats (+/-) | Votes (%) | +/- % |
| DUP | 182 | +52 | 29.6 | +8.2 |
| SF | 126 | +18 | 23.2 | +2.7 |
| UUP | 115 | -40 | 18 | -5.2 |
| SDLP | 101 | -16 | 17.4 | -1.9 |
| Alliance | 30 | +2 | 5 | -0.2 |
| Greens | 3 | +3 | 0.8 | 0 |
| PUP | 2 | -2 | 0.7 | -0.9 |
On Belfast City Council the DUP became the biggest party beating Sinn Fein into second place with its 15 seats. In overall terms the Ulster Unionist Party's share of the vote dropped most sharply by just over 5%.
22 March 2005
IRA Releases Easter Message
The IRA in its Easter statement said its members are not criminals, and it has done all in its power to assist the McCartney family to bring Robert's killers to justice.
"The IRA moved quickly to deal with those involved. We have tried to assist in whatever way we can," it said. "Unfortunately, it would appear that no matter what we do it will never be enough for some. The IRA has spelt out its position in relation to the killing of Robert McCartney. It was wrong, it was murder, it was a crime. But it was not carried out by the IRA, nor was it carried out on behalf of the IRA. Those in the political and media establishments, who have been so quick to jump on the bandwagon, have again laid bare their own hypocrisy. This causes justifiable resentment among republicans. But it must not cloud the issue. Óglaigh na hÉireann expects the highest standards of conduct from our volunteers."
The IRA made no reference to the Northern Bank robbery but said it was not criminal. "Our patriot dead are not criminals." There was no hint or threat of the IRA potentially ending its ceasefire. Not was there was any suggestion that the IRA was preparing for a radical initiative to help end the Northern political logjam. It said that from over 10 years ago "until now", it had "demonstrated our continuing support for this process".
The IRA said for the past two years the process "has been locked in stalemate and has slipped backwards into deepening crisis", but blamed this situation on "rejectionist unionism, aided and abetted by the two governments".
The statement, carried in today's edition of An Phoblacht, blamed unionists for rejecting IRA "initiatives" in October 2003 and December last year. "The DUP attempted to turn the initiative of December 2004 into a humiliation of the IRA," it said. "The concerted efforts of both governments since then to undermine the integrity of our cause, by seeking to criminalise the republican struggle, is clear evidence that our opponents remain fixated with the objective of defeating republicans, rather than developing the peace process."
2 February 2005
IRA withdraws offer to complete decommissioning process
Complete Text of Today's IRA Statement
"In August 1994, the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann announced a complete cessation of all military operations. We did so to enhance the democratic peace process and underline our definitive commitment to its success. That cessation ended in February 1996 because the British Government acted in bad faith when the then British Prime Minister John Major and Unionist leaders squandered that unprecedented opportunity to resolve the conflict. However, we remained ready to engage positively and in July 1997 we reinstated the cessation on the same basis as before. Subsequently, we honoured the terms of our cessation with discipline and honesty, despite numerous attempts to misrepresent those terms by others. Since then - over a period of almost eight years - our leadership took a succession of significant and ambitious initiatives designed to develop or save the peace process.
Those included:
* Engaging with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning;
* Agreeing that independent inspectors could inspect the contents of a number of IRA dumps, allowing regular re-inspections to ensure that the weapons remained secure and the reporting of what they had done both publicly and to the IICD;
* Setting out a clear context for dealing definitively with the issue of arms;
* Acknowledging past mistakes, hurt and pain the IRA has caused to others and extending our sincere apologies and condolences for the deaths and injuries of non-combatants caused by us;
* Agreeing a scheme with the IICD to put arms completely and verifiably beyond use;
* Implementing this scheme to save the peace process by putting three separate tranches of weapons beyond use on:
- 23 October 2001
- 11 April 2002
- 21 October 2003; and
* Seeking to directly and publicly address unionist concerns.
"In 2004 our leadership was prepared to speedily resolve the issue of arms, by Christmas if possible, and to invite two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this. In the context of a comprehensive agreement we were also prepared to move into a new mode and to instruct our Volunteers that there could be no involvement whatsoever in activities which might endanger that agreement. These significant and substantive initiatives were our contributions to the peace process. Others, however, did not share that agenda. Instead, they demanded the humiliation of the IRA. Our initiatives have been attacked, devalued and dismissed by pro-unionist and anti-republican elements, including the British Government. The Irish Government have lent themselves to this. Commitments have been broken or withdrawn. The progress and change promised on political, social, economic and cultural matters, as well as on demilitarisation, prisoners, equality and policing and justice, has not materialised to the extent required, or promised. British forces, including the PSNI, remain actively engaged in both covert and overt operations, including raids on republicans' homes. We are also acutely aware of the dangerous instability within militant unionism, much of it fostered by British military intelligence agencies. The British/loyalist apparatus for collusion remains intact. The political institutions have been suspended for years now and there is an ongoing political impasse.
"At this time it appears that the two governments are intent on changing the basis of the peace process. They claim that 'the obstacle now to a lasting and durable settlement... is the continuing paramilitary and criminal activity of the IRA'. We reject this. It also belies the fact that a possible agreement last December was squandered by both governments pandering to rejectionist unionism instead of upholding their own commitments and honouring their own obligations.
"We do not intend to remain quiescent within this unacceptable and unstable situation. It has tried our patience to the limit. Consequently, on reassessment of our position and in response to the governments and others withdrawing their commitments;
* We are taking all our proposals off the table.
* It is our intention to closely monitor ongoing developments and to protect to the best of our ability the rights of republicans and our support base.
"The IRA has demonstrated our commitment to the peace process again and again. We want it to succeed. We have played a key role in achieving the progress achieved so far. We are prepared, as part of a genuine and collective effort, to do so again, if and when the conditions are created for this. But peace cannot be built on ultimatums, false and malicious accusations or bad faith. Progress will not be sustained by the reinstatment of Thatcherite criminalisation strategies, which our ten comrades died defeating on hunger strike in 1981. We will not betray the courage of the hunger strikers either by tolerating criminality within our own ranks or false allegations of criminality against our organisation by petty politicians motivated by selfish interests, instead of the national need for a successful conclusion to the peace process.
"Finally, we thank all those who have supported us through decades of struggle. We freely acknowledge our responsibility to enhance genuine efforts to build peace and justice. We reiterate our commitment to achieving Irish independence and our other republican objectives. We are determined that these objectives will be secured."
P O'Neill
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau
Dublin
Irish Proclamation of Freedom Read by Patrick Pearse from the Steps of the General Post Office, Dublin, Ireland on Easter Monday, April 24, 1916
The Irish Government, June 1997:
Bloody Sunday and the Report of the Widgery Tribunal
Full text of the Good Friday Agreement, April 10, 1998.
Investigation into the human rights in Northern Ireland, September 29, 1998
Statement by Rosemary Nelson, solicitor for Garvaghy Road residents
Nobel Peace Price Award, December 11, 1998:
Nobel Address by David Trimble, First Minister and leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
Nobel Address by John Hume, leader of the catholic SDLP
George Mitchell's Peace Principles, November 1999:
Statements of November 16 and 17, 1999, by Ulster Unionist Party, Sinn Féin, Progressive Unionist Party and IRA
George Mitchell's statement, November 18, 1999
Suspension of Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. February 2000:
Decommissioning reports, Mandelson in House of Commons, IRA statements
Peace process resumed. May 2000
British-Irish joint statement and IRA statement.
Inspection of IRA weapons dumps, June 2000
Arms inspector's report
Abortion Referendum March 7, 2002
IRA Statement on Decommissioning April 8, 2002
Speech by Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, at the Harbour Commisssioners' Offices in Belfast, 17 October 2002.
Independent International Commission on Decommissioning
Report, October 23, 2001
Report, April 8, 2002
Report, October 21, 2003
Report, September 26, 2005 - Confirming complete decommissioning
Joint statement by the British and Irish governments
Programme for reaching a normal security end-state by April 2005
Joint declaration by the British and the Irish governments, May 2003
Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC):
First report - May 2004
Second report - July 2004
Third report - November 2004
Fourth report - February 2005
Fifth report - May 2005
Sixth report - September 2005
Work Programme of the Irish Presidency, 2004.
An Irish bookshop: Read Ireland
Wesley Johnston's History of Ireland
The CAIN Project (The Northern Ireland Conflict)
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry
Sinn Féin Homepage
The Irish Times
I started reading about Ireland and about its history in order to understand just a bit of the Irish paradoxes. Although I started from the very beginning the matter was still incomprehensible. I therefore began to write down the headlines in Danish.
In 1998 when I got my own website I wondered what to put there. My family, my career or my garden could not attract much attention. But my Danish survey of the history of Ireland would be different from most other websites, so I uploaded the whole story.
I considered my web-project to be complete by then. However the beginning of 1998 was to become a turning point in the history of Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement created optimism and a new hope of lasting peace. I therefore added new chapters on the peace agreement and on the ups and downs since then. Obviously there is still a way to go before a real peace has been achieved and right now I can't see the end of my project.
A lot of people wrote to me asking for details or references. This has proved the need for a brief Danish version of the history of Ireland. In 2001 more than 50 persons on the average have been visiting my website every day.
However about 10 % of the visitors on my website are non-Scandinavians. I have added this page in order to serve these people with some information about my project and with some of the important references.
I considered reference documents and speeches most interesting in the original English language. I also have to admit that a proper translation of the documents to Danish is not that simple. On the other hand the number of visitors to the reference pages in English has been very limited. Therefore all information in English will be concentrated in this English section of my website together with selected news.
I have no intention of making an English version of the whole story. I have neither the ability nor the capacity to write in English and several excellent sites already offer that sort of information.
E-mail me your comments and questions
Ireland History in Maps
North West Ireland - Gaoth Dobhair
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
BLOODY SUNDAY 26 Years On ...
BBC News Bloody Sunday Inquiry
CAIN Web Service 'Bloody Sunday', Derry 30 January 1972
Ulster Unionist Party
The Irish Republican Socialist Party
Fine Gael
Ulster Democratic Unionist Party, DUP
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The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
Progressive Unionist Party
Ulster Nation
The Social Democratic and Labour Party
The Wild Geese (USA) Irish soldiers in exile
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December 16, 2001 Top
Since my first visit to Ireland the history of Ireland was a puzzle to me. Why has this beautiful country with its charming and hospitable population become the arena of a never-ending conflict? Differences in religion, language, race or culture gave no reasonable explanation. Which coincidence has caused so much suffering in Ireland while other countries such as Denmark had nothing but trifles to quarrel about?