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ON THIS DAY 20 years ago, RTÉ reporter Charlie Bird was handed a cassette tape and statement that would be remembered as one of the most momentous occasions for the history of this island.
Handed to him by an intermediary, the message on both the tape and the paper was the same – the Provisional IRA would set down its arms and look to peace talks rather than war for a solution to the Troubles.
Although previous IRA ceasefires had dissolved in waves of violence, this one was immediately given more credence as it came in the midst of intensive political talks which included Sinn Féin for the first time.
A version of the statement was also handed to BBC’s Vincent Kearney (who worked for the Belfast Telegraph at the time). He recalled this week how he was met by a republican source and driven to a house in Belfast. He was not allowed to ask any questions but wrote down what was read out to him.
The newspaper took the unprecedented decision not to start the presses until the embargo of 11am was lifted. It went with a simple headline: It’s Over.
The IRA statement in full, was published with it.
Recognising the potential of the current situation and in order to enhance the democratic process and underlying our definitive commitment to its success, the leadership of the IRA have decided that as of midnight, 31 August, there will be a complete cessation of military operations.
All our units have been instructed accordingly.At this crossroads the leadership of the IRA salutes and commends our volunteers, other activists, our supporters and the political prisoners who have sustained the struggle against all odds for the past 25 years. Your courage, determination and sacrifice have demonstrated that the freedom and the desire for peace based on a just and lasting settlement cannot be crushed.
We remember all those who have died for Irish freedom and we reiterate our commitment to our republican objectives. 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 the 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 this new situation with energy, determination and patience.
Another statement, from 10 Downing Street, was issued a short time later.
People began to celebrate on the streets and turned out in their droves to hear Gerry Adams speak at Connolly House.
At the same time, loyalist groups burned tricolours in protest against republicans.
Messages also appeared on the Shankill Road.
This is how the BBC reported the breaking news on 31 August 1994.
Photographers also entered the maternity hospitals to see what babies would ‘know nothing but peace’.
They met Samuel Stewart and Megan Taylor who they caught up with a year later to see how they were getting on.
However, the toddlers didn’t know just peace. The IRA ceasefire was broken five months after this photo was taken and two people were killed in a bomb explosion in the docklands area of London. The IRA admitted responsibility and was universally condemned.
The Good Friday Agreement was signed two years later, along with a new permanent ceasefire.
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A CE mark required for piece of weighted plastic and a ball bearing
FFS, where is all of this European crap going to bring us?
@Peter Hargan: it’d be interesting to see what the EU make of the 1970′s equivalent the clackers. Back then the Herald carried stories of kids losing an eye or getting repetitive strain injuries from clacking the nylon balls up and down too much.
@Peter Hargan: as said in the article a child had to have surgery to remove a piece lodged in his gullet- we need some regulations, as we know self regulation is no regulation
@Peter Hargan: Actually what is more interesting is that for items made in China then a CE mark stands for China Export and not a manufacturers declaration that the product complies with EU regulations.
Toys must comply with the Toy Safety Directive which I assume relate to safety and labelling and I would prefer to think that manufacturers of the toys I purchase will at least be declared compliant with the safety directives rather then anyone being allowed to make and sell whatever they like, safe or not, and give them to our children.
Without the CE mark we could be back to toys painted with lead laden paint – so I am in favour of at least some safety declaration.
I don’t understand how there can be such a thing as “Fake” fidget spinners since the patent ran out when the inventor couldn’t afford to pay.
The sub-title is misleading – these aren’t “fakes” they are dangerous ones.
@Ciarán FitzGerald: nope that story is bogus, her invention was nothing like what these spinners are
Where i live shops don’t call them “fidget spinners”……they call them “money spinners”
Meanwhile tonnes of heroin and cocaine enter the country under the noses of customs officials seen fidgeting with faulty fidget spinners
@Brian MacCarthaigh: LOL !
There’s a village near to where I live, there are countless residents there driving large Range Rovers, X-5s etc all with Northern registration plates. Customs staff, concentrate on the bigger picture, not on a few toys, toys which your colleagues if found to possess same while traveling through Dublin airport etc would be given nothing more than a nod and a wink.
Gardai are also reporting this but they’ve said..”2 fidget spinners siezed from children at a roadside checkpoint”
Fad Gadget.
@Blind Faith: ya think?
@Blind Faith: nice early 80s Avant Garde proto industrial electronic pop reference there
What a complete waste of effort – typing up and publishing this article and any associated comments.
Dead right, cause I remember there being ce marks on all the trees I played on growing up and the pebbles on the road always had small parts warnings
Or maybe people weren’t a bunch of overly controlled morons being told their every move by regulations.
nanny state,
I Love them
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