‘Walking a Real Tight-rope of Difficulties’1: Sir Edward Heath and the Search for Stability in Northern Ireland, June 1970–March 1971
University of Chester
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Abstract |
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Since we know Sir Edward Heath was forced to impose direct rule over Northern Ireland in March 1972, before launching his government into a series of highly constructive (if unsuccessful) initiatives that led to the Sunningdale Agreement, his policy and approach towards the province during the first 18 months of his premiership has rarely been seen as anything other than a tale of miscalculation, poor judgement and political ignorance. However, with the opening up of various official papers over the past few years, it is now possible to offer a more sympathetic assessment of Heath's early attempts to deal with the situation in Northern Ireland. This assessment suggests that his policy, far from being barren and directionless, was beginning to evolve in quite innovative and radical directions as it sought to stabilize and reform Northern Ireland, directions that, significantly, pre-figure the various policy initiatives Heath took after 1972. These included the pursuit of active cooperation between London and Dublin, and between Dublin and Belfast, major political change in Northern Ireland, with the full involvement of the minority in the governance of the region, and a consideration of future constitutional relationships between London, Belfast and Dublin.