Why do the Blueshirts exercise such a fascination for us? Perhaps because they seem to make sense of Irish history in the 1930s by offering a parallel with the rest of Europe. Irish historians have always been more circumspect about the meaning of Blueshirtism. F.S.L. Lyons, in an optimistic mood, saw the Blueshirt movement as … Read more
Clive Scoular’s James Chichester-Clark, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland was launched on 12 December 2000 in Belfast’s recently refurbished Linen Hall Library. The author spoke of his pleasure at writing and publishing this first biography and of his gratitude to Lord Moyola (Major Chichester-Clark) and his family for their co-operation. In response Paul Bew (Queen’s, … Read more
When the North of Ireland exploded into violence in August 1969families began to cross the border to seek refuge in the South. TheIrish Army sought to cater for the refugees’ ‘elementary needs such asfood, shelter and sanitary facilities’ at various military camps. By1970 the military authorities were satisfied that the army had actedwith speed and … Read more
On 29 October 1970 the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, announced thatarrangements had been made with the government of India forrepatriation of the remains of three of the Connaught Rangers mutineers(see Thomas Bartlett, ‘The Connaught Rangers Mutiny, India, July 1920’,HI 6.1 Spring 1998). ‘The National Graves Association are in charge ofthe arrangement on behalf of the families.’ … Read more
As the Biafran revolt collapsed in January 1970 the twin concerns of the Irish government continued to be those elaborated upon in ‘The Forgotten War’ by Enda Staunton (HI Autumn 2000): to ensure the welfare of Irish missionaries and to avoid antagonising the Nigerian authorities. That month the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, met a leading international … Read more