The Troubles: Ireland's Ordeal 1966–1995 and the Search for Peace

by Tim Pat Coogan

The man who had been one of the first to become involved in the conflict, the Loyalists’ folk hero, Gusty Spence, was also the man chosen to bring it to a close. He read the ceasefire declaration, a document which also contained some surprisingly noble-sounding sentiments: After a widespread consultative process initiated by representations from the Ulster Democratic and Progressive Unionist Parties [fringe Unionist parties representing the UDA and the UVF] and having received confirmation and guarantees in relation to Northern Ireland’s constitutional position within the United Kingdom, as well as other assurances, and in the belief that the democratically expressed wishes of the greater number of people in Northern Ireland will be respected and upheld, the CLMC will universally cease all operational hostilities from 12 midnight, on Thursday, October 13th, 1994. After praising the Loyalist fighters, in and out of prison, pledging continued support to their families, and warning that if the IRA resumed their campaign, violence would recommence, the statement went on to say, at Gusty Spence’s insistence: In all sincerity we offer the loved ones of all innocent victims over the past twenty-five years abject and true remorse. No words of ours will compensate for the intolerable suffering they have undergone during the conflict. Let us firmly resolve to respect our differing views of freedom, culture and aspiration and never again permit our political circumstances to degenera...