Edward Heath and the Early Years of the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1968-1975 : 'The Broken Emerald'

Stephen Kelly presents a biographical examination of Edward Heath’s public and private attitude to Northern Ireland during his time as official leader of the Opposition (1965-1970 & 1974-1975) and UK prime minister (1970-1974). With access to newly released archival files, this book radically challenges the current historiography of Heath’s Northern Ireland policy. Readers are provided with a fascinating insight into some of the more controversial aspects of the UK government’s Northern Ireland policy during the early years of the ‘Troubles’, including Heath’s attitude to the use of the so-called ‘five techniques’ of torture against alleged Irish Republican paramilitaries; his pivotal role during the events leading to and after ‘Bloody Sunday’, on 30 January 1972; and lastly, his private support, in principle, for a united Ireland. By examining the various topics under consideration, the book provides the reader with nuanced insight into how Heath formulated and implemented his Northern Ireland policies, primarily in the political, military, and security realms. Northern Ireland was not simply a political preoccupation for Edward Heath. Over time, the subject became quite personal, not least given that Heath survived, not one - but two assassination attempts on his life - mounted by Irish Republican terrorists in 1974 and 1975. For the remainder of his life, Heath remained fearful that a third attempt on his life by Irish Republican paramilitaries would prove to be deadly.