July 1979: Paisley Says No!
Famous stand-up comic and actor Kevin Hart was born in Philadelphia in July 1979. Safe to say that Ian Paisley wasn’t finding anything amusing around the same time…
Political Developments in July 1979
July began when the INLA was declared illegal across the whole of the United Kingdom following the killing of Airey Neave on the 30th of March.
On the 12th, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher criticised the BBC after it had broadcast an interview with a member of the INLA. This incident was to set a pattern of confrontation between the media, particularly the broadcast media, and Conservative governments during the 1980s and 1990s.
DUP leader Ian Paisley interrupted the opening proceedings of the European Parliament on the 17th to protest that the Union flag was flying the wrong way up on the Parliament Buildings. The following day, he also tried to interrupt Irish Prime Minister and President of the European Council Jack Lynch, but was shouted down by other Members of the European Parliament.
It was announced on the 21st that Pope John Paul II would visit Ireland on the 29th of September 1979. Ian Paisley and the Orange Order warned that he should not visit Northern Ireland.
Shootings in July 1979
July 6th.
The INLA claimed responsibility for a recent sniper attack on a British Army vehicle patrol in the Bogside area of Derry. They also claimed responsibility for an attack on the British Army in Bishop Street some weeks previously.
July 12th.
An INLA unit opened fire from the Divis Flats on RUC officers in the vicinity of Hastings Street RUC station, Belfast.
IRA Member Michael Kearney (21) was found shot in Legakelly, near Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh. He was an alleged informer.
July 15th.
Catholic civilian Patrick O’Hanlon (69) was shot dead in the car park of Falls Bowling Club on Andersonstown Road, Belfast. The Sutton Database claims that the IRA shot him. However, Lost Lives claims that the IRA denied responsibility and says that there is no obvious motive. You can watch a BBC news report on the murder here.
July 28th.
The UVF shot dead Catholic civilian James McCann (20) on Obins Street, Portadown.
July 31st.
The INLA shot dead RUC officer George Walsh (51) from a passing car while he sat in a stationary vehicle outside Armagh Courthouse, Armagh town.
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Bombings in July 1979
July 6th.
The IRA detonated a small bomb at the British Consulate in Antwerp, Belgium, causing damage but no injuries.
July 8th.
British soldier Alan MacMillan (18) was killed in an IRA bomb attack on his foot patrol in Crossmaglen, County Armagh.
July 10th.
Two IRA bombs exploded at a barracks of the British Army of the Rhine in Dortmund, West Germany, causing extensive damage but no injuries.
July 17th.
An IRA unit launched a bomb attack on a British Army patrol in Rosslea, County Fermanagh. A civilian who was in the area, Sylvia Crowe (31) was killed by shrapnel.
July 27th.
Former RUC reservist James Wright (48) was killed by a booby trap bomb attached to his car by the INLA outside his home on Corcrain Drive, Portadown. His 21-year-old daughter was also seriously injured in the attack.
Thanks very much for reading. I hope you found it interesting and will come back on Thursday!
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I’ve also recently released Tales of The Troubles: Volume 1. The Early Years - 1960s. Check it out. It would be a great addition to your library or a gift for someone for Christmas. Stay tuned for Volume 2, covering the 1970s.
If you’d like to let me know what you think of today’s instalment, please comment below.
Some recommended reading based on research for this instalment.
Lost Lives: The Stories of the Men, Women and Children Who Died as a Result of the Northern Ireland Troubles by David McKittrick, Chris Thornton, Seamus Kelters and Brian Feeney.
INLA Deadly Divisions by Henry McDonald and Jack Holland.
