Identify the positions held by the major groups involved with the current situation in Northern Ireland and the role each one has played in the long-standing conflict.   Also state in your essay why it is so difficult to arrive at a solution concerning the status of Northern Ireland.

Oath Of The Orange Order

     I do solemnly and sincerely swear of my own free will and accord that I will to the utmost of my power support and defend the present King George III and all the heirs of the crown, so long as they support the Protestant ascendancy, the constitution and the laws of these kingdoms; and I do further swear that I am not, nor ever was, a Roman Catholic or papist; that I was not nor ever will be a united Irishman and that I never took an oath of secrecy to that society.

Andrew Boyd, Holy War in Belfast, Anvil Books, 1970, p.7

The Fenian Oath of Initiation, as revised by James Stephen in 1859

     I, A.B., in the presence of Almighty God do solemnly swear allegiance to the Irish Republic now virtually established; and that I will do my very utmost, at every risk while life lasts, to defend its independence and integrity; and finally that I will yield implicit obedience in all things, not contrary to the laws of God, to the commands of my superior officer, so help me God.

F.S.L Lyons, Ireland Since The Famine, Collins/Fontana revised editions, 1973, p. 125

The Policy of the Provisional Wing of the IRA, stated by Sean MacStiofain, Chief of Staff, Provisional IRA, in 1972

     a) People say our campaign in Northern Ireland is sectarian. I deny that. It would have to specifically anti-Protestant, but as many Catholic members of the UDR and RUC have been shot as Protestants. They're shot because they're active agents of the British Imperialism. They can resign and they'll be perfectly safe. The only Protestants we've deliberately killed have been members of the UVF who have attacked Roman Catholic areas. In the end all loss of life in Northern Ireland rests with the Unionists, and the present situation about. We've given our terms for a truce.

     Our truce terms are : (1) That the British Army suspend all operations, withdraw from Catholic areas, pending their total withdrawal from the North. (2)That the stormont be abolished. (3) That a guarantee is given for the holding of free elections. (4) That all internees and political prisoners be released, North and South. (5) That compensation be paid to all those suffered as a result of British occupation.

Magee, Northern Ireland, pp.153-154

Oglaigh na hEireann Statement of August 31, 1994

     Recognizing the potential of the current situation and in order to enhance the peace process and underline our definitive commitment to its success, the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann have decided that as of midnight, Wednesday, August 31st, there will be a complete cessation of military operations, All our units have been instructed accordingly... Our struggle has seen many gains and advances made by nationalists and for the democratic position. We believe that an opportunity to secure a just and lasting settlement has been created. We are therefore entering into a new situation in a spirit of determination and confidence, determined that the injustices which created this conflict will be removed and confident in the strength and justice of our struggle to achieve this.

     We note that the Downing Street Declaration is not a solution nor was it presented as such by its authors. A solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. Others, not least the British government, have a duty to face up to their responsibilities. It is our desire to significantly contribute to the creation of a climate, which will encourage this. We urge everyone to approach the situation with energy, determination and patience.

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann issued the above statement on August 31, 1994
The Irish Times

BLOODY SUNDAY:

     At the beginning of December the Northern Resistance Movement -- a recently formed united front supported by the Provisionals and the People's Democracy -- announced that if the internees were not released by Christmas they would organize a series of protest marches in defiance of a ban which had been in operation for some months. The CRA march in Derry on 30 January 1972 was one of this series.

     When the shooting started that day the first reaction after the fear, was bewilderment. Why were they shooting? At Free Derry Corner where most people had gathered for the meeting the crowd flung themselves To the ground as the crack-crack of the self-loading rifles came from the bottom of Rosevill Street. Looking up one could see a few stragglers coming running panic-stricken, bounding over the barricade outside the High Flats, three of them were stiffening suddenly and crumpling to the ground. One ought to have to have realized at the time that what was happening was that they were being killed. An hour and a half later no one knew for certain how many were dead. Some said three, some five.

McCann, War and an Irish Town, pp. 100-1

THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES HIS POLICY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

   1. The United Kingdom Government reaffirm that Northern Ireland should not cease to be a part of the United Kingdom without the consent of the people of Northern Ireland.

     2. The United Kingdom Government have ultimate responsibility for the protection of those who live in Northern Ireland when a breakdown of the law and order has occurred. In this spirit, the United Kingdom Government responded to the requests of the Northern Ireland Government for military assistance in LondonDerry and Belfast in order to restore law and order. They emphasis again that troops will be withdrawn when law and order has been restored.

'Downing Street Declaration', 19 August 1969; in Magee, Northern Ireland pp. 125-6

BRITISH CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND, 1973

     There is no future for devolved institutions of government in Northern Ireland unless majority and minority alike can be so bound ... What has to be found--through their representatives -- is a system of exercising executive power in Northern Ireland which is broadly acceptable to them...

The future of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Office

THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF NORTHERN IRELAND

     Northern Ireland cannot expect a form of independence, which would guarantee substantial continuing financial, economic, and military aid from the United Kingdom but which would otherwise confer upon it virtually sovereign status. It may be argued by some that if Northern Ireland was prepared to accept a drastic fall in the standards of living it could in that sense be viable Such a form of government could not [command] … the loyalty of the overwhelming majority of its own citizens and the acceptance and respect of the international community.

The Future of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Office

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