Newly released State Papers from January 2005 reveal a high level of concern within both the British and Irish governments regarding the Provisional IRA’s continued activity following the £26.5 million Northern Bank robbery in Belfast the previous December.
Concerns Over IRA Activity
According to the files, Tony Blair’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, expressed a belief that the “top man” involved in the audacious heist – one of the largest in UK history – would be “clever enough to avoid getting arrested.” This assessment was shared with Irish officials weeks after the robbery, which temporarily led to direct rule being re-imposed in Northern Ireland and raised fears about the stability of the peace process.
London was “pretty certain it was the IRA” and that the operation was carried out by individuals “very close to the Sinn Féin leadership,” Powell stated. While the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) anticipated making arrests, Powell doubted the key figure would be apprehended. Irish civil servant Michael Collins echoed the anxiety, noting it was “almost incomprehensible” that such planning could occur while Sinn Féin participated in power-sharing discussions with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
The files also indicate a belief on the Irish side that the IRA remained a unified organization, dismissing the possibility of the Northern Bank robbery being a rogue operation. Furthermore, Department of Justice officials in Ireland privately assessed that there was “no evidence” the Provisional IRA was “winding down” in January 2005.
Continued Paramilitary Activity
The assessment detailed ongoing IRA activities, including recruitment, intelligence gathering, smuggling, and paramilitary assaults – though at a reduced rate and without murder. The IRA also continued to exert control over republican areas and showed no indication of allowing exiled members to return to Northern Ireland. Reports included instances of violent incidents, such as a 19-year-old man suffering severe injuries in a suspected punishment beating.
Then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expressed his disappointment to Sinn Féin, stating, “I feel let down and the government feel let down by what has happened in the last few weeks.” Ahern affirmed his confidence in the assessment by the PSNI chief constable, Hugh Orde, attributing the robbery to the PIRA, and dismissed suggestions of a political agenda influencing Orde’s conclusions.
Other Disclosures from the State Papers
The released files also contain information on unrelated matters. Concerns were raised regarding potential discrimination against Irish citizens under proposed British national ID cards, a plan that has recently been revived by Prime Minister Kier Starmer. Additionally, the files reveal US reluctance regarding a public handshake between President Bill Clinton and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, which ultimately occurred away from official events. Other diplomatic notes detail an incident involving musician Christy Moore being questioned by authorities and a panicked response to a NASA request to use Shannon Airport as an emergency landing site for the space shuttle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Northern Bank robbery?
The robbery was one of the largest in UK history and led to the temporary re-imposition of direct rule in Northern Ireland, raising serious concerns about the future of the peace process.
What did British officials believe about the perpetrators?
London believed the heist was undertaken by people “very close to the Sinn Féin leadership” and that the IRA was responsible.
What was the Irish government’s assessment of the IRA’s status in 2005?
The Irish government assessed that the IRA remained a unified organization and showed “no evidence” of winding down its activities, continuing to engage in recruitment, intelligence gathering, and criminal activity.
Given these revelations, what impact might this renewed scrutiny of past events have on current political discussions surrounding legacy issues in Northern Ireland?
