Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Acknowledgements
- Prologue
- Introduction
- 1 Drills, Fights and Defence
- 2 ‘Civil rights, unrest, death’ (1960s)
- 3 Football, Flags and Fighting (1970–71)
- 4 Protestants at War? (1971–72)
- 5 Convergence (1972)
- 6 From Boys Brigade Belts and Bibles to Bombs and Bullets (1972–75)
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
5 - Convergence (1972)
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Acknowledgements
- Prologue
- Introduction
- 1 Drills, Fights and Defence
- 2 ‘Civil rights, unrest, death’ (1960s)
- 3 Football, Flags and Fighting (1970–71)
- 4 Protestants at War? (1971–72)
- 5 Convergence (1972)
- 6 From Boys Brigade Belts and Bibles to Bombs and Bullets (1972–75)
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
One salient fact stands out from the events of last week-end; the Tartan were right to fight. In doing so, not only did they strike a brave blow for the Loyalist cause but have shown the way forward … Only when Ulster adopts the fierce partisanship of her young sons and is prepared to fight as they are prepared, will our land be restored to us.
Loyalist News (6 May 1972)It is not a struggle for one man one vote, full employment, non-discrimination, new housing etc. It is a struggle for domination over N. Ireland with its eventual absorption into an all Ireland Roman Catholic Republic. Nothing less will satisfy the enemies of Northern Ireland, and with the aid of O'Niellite [sic] Unionists, the Alliance, P.A.C.E., N.U.M. and other kindred ‘peace at any price brigade’ our enemies are rampant and ready for the final struggle. And this will be THEIR final struggle because the Loyal Protestants who desire peace and prosperity for their country, will ensure that once and for all this continuous rape of our tiny State will be stopped. If we stand alone then we will fall alone or go on to victory alone. We will not betray the blood of murdered people.
Loyalist News (13 May 1972)The ‘backlash’ gains momentum
While the Red Hand had formed in 1970 and the UDA mobilised in the autumn of 1971, the young Tartans had for the large part of 1971 and early 1972 been the most striking manifestation of Protestant militancy on the streets of Belfast. Despite some low-level clandestine organising there had been little in the way of concerted loyalist violence by the beginning of 1972. This would change dramatically as the year progressed, Thomas Hennessey observing that ‘Despite the dismissal of it by some, a Protestant backlash had already begun, and would accelerate in 1972’.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Tartan Gangs and ParamilitariesThe Loyalist Backlash, pp. 144 - 182Publisher: Liverpool University PressPrint publication year: 2016