Short History of the IRA: From 1916 Onwards, Paperback

An accessible, clearly-written account of the IRA from 1916 to present day. It covers the origins and history of the organization, its aims, the political and military thinking which has driven its activities, and the major personalities who have shaped the direction of the movement. The relationship with the Irish and British governments is examined, as well as the effects of the major bombing campaigns and the 1981 hunger strikes. It also explains the shift in thinking which led to the IRA seeking a political way towards the goal of Irish unity rather than pursuing the 'Brits Out' policy at gunpoint. The background to the IRA ceasefire and the factors which contributed to its ending are looked at, as well as the prospects for a lasting peace in one of the world's more troubled arenas. With a new chapter that brings us as far as 2018