Additional Reforms and Economic Measures

Following the Downing Street Declaration, several additional reforms were introduced to address longstanding issues in Northern Ireland:

1. Introduction of "one man, one vote" principle, ending gerrymandering practices.
2. Creation of a housing authority to take over local councils' responsibilities.
3. Implementation of measures to prevent discrimination in public employment.
4. Establishment of a Ministry of Community Relations to improve inter-community relationships.

Economic initiatives were also put in place to improve Northern Ireland's economy:

1. A £2 million job-creating scheme was introduced.
2. Investment grants were increased to stimulate economic growth.

Example: The creation of the housing authority aimed to address issues of discrimination in housing allocation, which had been a significant source of tension between communities.

Vocabulary: Gerrymandering - The practice of manipulating electoral boundaries to favor one political party or class.

The Hunt Report and Its Impact

The Hunt Report, chaired by Lord Hunt, was a crucial document that recommended significant changes to policing in Northern Ireland:

1. Disarming of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
2. Disbanding of the B-Specials and their replacement with the Ulster Defence Regiment $UDR$, a part-time force under army control.

These recommendations were met with mixed reactions:

1. Nationalists reacted positively, believing a more positive future was within reach.
2. Many unionists saw these changes as continuing concessions to nationalists and reacted with anger.

Highlight: The publication of the Hunt Report proved to be a final straw for some unionists, leading to violence in Belfast, particularly on Shankill Road.

Quote: "Even though the declaration reassured many, many saw this as continuing concessions to nationalists."

Community Reactions and Aftermath

The Downing Street Declaration and subsequent reforms had significant impacts on both communities in Northern Ireland:

1. Unionists: While initially reassured by the declaration's commitment to Northern Ireland's status within the UK, many became increasingly concerned about what they perceived as concessions to nationalists.

2. Nationalists: Generally reacted positively to the reforms, viewing them as steps towards a more equitable society and a brighter future.

The implementation of these reforms, particularly those related to policing, led to increased tensions:

1. Violence erupted in Belfast, especially on Shankill Road, following the publication of the Hunt Report.
2. These events highlighted the delicate balance required in addressing the concerns of both communities.

Example: The Belfast riots 1969 that followed the Hunt Report recommendations demonstrate the volatile nature of the situation and the challenges in implementing reforms.

Long-term Implications

The Downing Street Declaration of 1969 and its associated reforms had far-reaching consequences for Northern Ireland:

1. It set a precedent for future negotiations and agreements, including the Good Friday Agreement and the Sunningdale Agreement.

2. The reforms in voting, housing, and employment laid the groundwork for more equitable governance structures.

3. Changes in policing, while controversial at the time, began a process of reform that would continue for decades.

4. The economic measures introduced helped to address some of the underlying socio-economic issues contributing to the conflict.

Highlight: While the Downing Street Declaration and subsequent reforms did not immediately resolve the conflict, they marked a significant shift in approach and set the stage for future peace initiatives.

Vocabulary: The Troubles - The period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998, characterized by violence between nationalist and unionist communities.

Key Questions and Answers

To reinforce understanding of the Downing Street Declaration and its impact, consider the following questions and answers:

1. Q: What was the outcome of August 19th? A: The Downing Street Declaration.

2. Q: What were unionists told to reassure them? A: "Northern Ireland should not cease to exist without the consent of the people."

3. Q: Name two additional reforms of the Declaration. A: Introduction of "one man, one vote" and the end of gerrymandering; creation of a housing authority; measures to prevent discrimination in public employment; or creation of a Ministry of Community Relations.

4. Q: What did the Hunt Report recommend? A: Disarming the RUC and disbanding the B-Specials.

5. Q: What was the result of the Hunt Report? A: Violence in Belfast, particularly on Shankill Road.

Example: The Divis Street riots 1964 and the Bombay Street Belfast 1969 incidents were precursors to the events following the Hunt Report, illustrating the ongoing tensions in Northern Ireland during this period.

Downing Street Declaration 1969: A Turning Point

The Downing Street Declaration 1993 marked a significant moment in Northern Ireland's history. On August 19th, Chichester Clarke met with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, resulting in a declaration aimed at reassuring both communities in Northern Ireland.

Key points of the declaration included:

1. Reassurance to unionists that Northern Ireland would not cease to be part of the UK without the consent of its people.

2. Assurance to nationalists that every citizen in Northern Ireland is entitled to equal treatment and freedom from discrimination, regardless of political or religious views.

Highlight: The declaration aimed to address the concerns of both unionists and nationalists, setting the stage for future reforms and negotiations.

Definition: The Downing Street Declaration 1993 was a joint statement by the British and Irish governments that laid out principles for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.