The 1960s are often seen as a period of slow political reform, unprecedented in the history of the Northern Ireland state. Catholics, traditionally supporters of a reunified Ireland, and liberal-minded protestants who generally advocated the maintenance of the union of Northern Ireland with Great Britain but who also wished to see a degree of change, began a campaign to seek the redress by their Unionist government of a number of grievances. Reform was sought to combat perceived discrimination against catholics in housing, employment and the electoral system.

The Unionist government, firmly in control of Northern Ireland since the birth of the state in 1921, was slow to react to changing expectations amongst the populace. Many of its protestant supporters, influenced by mutual communal fears and long-standing prejudices existing on both sides of the sectarian divide, often tended to dismiss growing demands for reform as a front for militant nationalism. Republicanism, an ideology antithetical to the very existence of Northern Ireland, was believed to be deliberately attempting to discredit Unionism in the eyes of the world in its bid to secure an end to the partition of the island. It was a united Ireland that many unionists feared most.

Tensions mounted as reforms were not forthcoming: marches and counter-marches began, and society became polarised. Significant numbers of protestants felt that change was coming too quickly, that it would destroy the state; many catholics, on the other hand, were frustrated at apparent government unwillingness seriously to adress their grievances. When reform came, it was seen as 'too little, too late.'

The reforms were not deemed to be the generous gestures of Unionists willing to accommodate their ideological opponents within a shared state. Rather, they were viewed as grudging concessions offered in the face of the mounting pressure of British, Irish and American opinion. Many protestants however, took the view that the reforms were a 'sell-out,' simply a disastrous step on the road to Dublin rule and the end of the British connection. Such a delicate balancing act between reform and the status quo as now faced the mildly reformist O'Neill government could not be maintained for long, in view of that government's considerable dependence on its grass-roots support; in view also of growing catholic anger at the lack of progress; and at a number of government and police blunders in handling civil rights demonstrations organised to demand change. The stage was set for a slide away from moderation on both sides: as passions flared, the centre-ground could not hold. A return to the horror of communal violence was only a couple of 'incidents' away.

Introduction

"To revisit Northern Ireland in the 1960s, is to enter a lost world in which most of the political landmarks are different and different assumptions and aspirations underpin politics." Bob Purdie's comment, written by way of introduction to his excellent work on the genesis and development of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, should be borne in mind by anyone with an interest in the history of the area. The present-day politics of 'the Troubles' should not be equated with the views and attitudes of the 1960s. In fact, it is customary to view Northern Ireland in the 1960s as a society on the move. The slow liberalisation of social and political institutions under the O'Neill government permitted the growth of a sense of optimism for the future that was not only felt by protestants and unionists. For the two traditionally opposing groups in the state, this meant a reassessment of old attitudes towards one another and the institutions with which they lived.

Now, take a look at the nationalist view and the unionist view.

I more than welcome discussion of any kind on these or related topics, and anyone who writes will be guaranteed a reply. Whatever comments, ideas or questions you may have, don't hesitate to e-mail me