Loyalism in Development

THE TURBULENT 1960s 1963 Terence O’Neill elected Prime minister of Northern Ireland. His social policies towards the Republic of Ireland are viewed by Unionists as nothing other than appeasement. 1965 Former anti-treaty IRA member, now Taoiseach, Sean Lemass visits O’Neill in Belfast. 1966 The recently reformed Ulster Volunteer Force sends telegram to O’Neill stating they had lost confidence in his leadership. 1966 UVF kill Catholic barman in Malvern Street attack. Gusty Spence convicted for the killing and sentenced to Life imprisonment. 1967 Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association formed to campaign for citizens’ rights. They are attacked by opposing Protestants in subsequent marches during 1968 and 1969. 1969 In August, British troops are deployed to Derry and Belfast to preserve law and order. The ‘Troubles’ begin.

TIMELINE OF ‘THE TROUBLES’ 1963-1965

New Prime Minister Terence O’Neill attempts to improve community relations. Taoiseach Sean Lemass visits Belfast at O’Neill’s invitation. Tensions rise and the reformed UVF carry out a series of attacks including the killing of 3 civilians. Often seen as the day the Troubles started. Confrontation between Police and Civil Rights protestors in Londonderry draws international attention. Officially recorded as the day the Troubles started. British Army is placed on active service in Londonderry and in Belfast the next day. Internment is introduced in an attempt to curb increased violence. Over three days, 22 people are killed. The most violent year of the Troubles with 323 civilians, 41 Police and 103 soldiers killed. Sunningdale Agreement on power-sharing signed and Executive is formed on 31 December.

1966

1968 5 October

1969 14 August

1971 9 August

1972

1973

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