May 1978: The Disappeared
May 1978 saw American publishing heiress Patty Hearst return to jail after legal appeals to her bank robbery conviction failed. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, a robbery led to the abduction and murder of two men in Belfast.
Political Developments in May 1978
May began with a ministerial meeting, between leaders from both the North and South of Ireland, held in Dublin to cover political views of mutual interest. The communique of the meeting is as follows;
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Roy Mason MP, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Mr Michael O’Kennedy TD, met today for discussions at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. The meeting was one of a series of regular contacts established by the British and Irish Governments to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. Mr Mason was accompanied by the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Frank Judd MP. Mr Kennedy was accompanied by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews TD, the Minister for Justice, Mr G Collins TD, and the Minister for Economic Planning and Development, Dr M O’Donoghue TD, also took part in the talks.
The discussion, which lasted 4 and a half hours, covered a wide range of topics including the political situation in Northern Ireland, security cooperation, and economic cooperation.
It was acknowledged that there was a difference of approach between the British and Irish Governments towards seeking a basis for long-term, lasting peace and stability in Northern Ireland. Ministers were, however, in complete accord about the need to make political progress in the short term and agreed to encourage the political parties in Northern Ireland to come together in a system of devolved government based on the principle of partnership, which both sections of the community could support and sustain. It was accepted that political progress in Northern Ireland required that the political parties there accept that this was the way forward and work together to achieve it.
On security, it was agreed that the British and Irish Governments would continue to work together, exchange information and coordinate their efforts to ensure the maximum efficiency of the common fight against terrorism. The ministers noted with satisfaction the effective and constantly developing cooperation between the Gardai and the RUC.
The ministers received and endorsed the recommendations of the reports of the steering group set up, following the meeting in September 1977 between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, to review the arrangements and opportunities for economic cooperation with particular reference to Northern Ireland.
The reports, which will be made public shortly, review the extensive economic contacts which exist at present, identify areas where cooperation could be improved and recommend specific projects for detailed studies.
The ministers announced that there would be an early application for EEC funds with a view to starting a study of the Erne catchment area. The study was a major proposal contained in the report and followed an initiative by local authorities on both sides of the border. Consultants would be employed to assess and report on the development potential of the Erne catchment area with reference to the development of tourism amenities in matters such as accommodation, access and marketing and the development of land resources through arterial drainage.
It was also agreed by ministers that the joint steering group would meet later this year to review progress on economic cooperation generally.
The ministers agreed that the discussion had provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on matters of short and long-term interest and that they would maintain contact on these matters and meet again as necessary.
It’s interesting, and encouraging, that amidst the chaos of The Troubles, there were still discussions taking place to help improve Northern Ireland.
Shootings & Abductions in May 1978
07/05/78 - John Collins (18), a Catholic civilian, was shot dead by the British Army while he was travelling in a stolen car outside Andersonstown RUC base in Belfast. Over the years several, mainly Catholic, teenagers were shot dead while 'joy-riding' in stolen cars in West Belfast.
10/05/78 - Following the death of Catholic man Brian Maguire in RUC custody, the INLA claimed responsibility for several attacks on British security forces. The INLA opened fire on RUC officers at Henry Taggart barracks in West Belfast, whilst also attacking a UDR patrol in the Ormeau Road area of Belfast.
25/05/78 - Two civilians, Brian McKinney (22) and John McClory (18), were kidnapped by the IRA in Belfast and later killed and secretly buried. Their remains were found in 1999 in County Monaghan. The two had been executed for robbing an IRA-run bar. They reportedly admitted stealing IRA weapons for use in robberies but had handed back the weapons and any money they gained from robberies.
27/05/78 - The UDA shot dead Catholic civilian Colette Brady (26) whilst she was walking along the Cavehill Road in Belfast.
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Bombings in May 1978
28/05/78 - The INLA was responsible for several bomb hoaxes in Derry. Hijacked buses were also left on Craigavon Bridge and the Strand Road. The disruption was timed to coincide with the opening of a festival organised by the city council.
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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.
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Some recommended reading based on research for this instalment.
