Third Force (Northern Ireland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Third Force |
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Emblem of Third Force.
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| Dates of operation | 1981–??? |
| Active regions | Northern Ireland |
| Ideology | Ulster loyalism Irish unionism |
| Size | Unknown |
| Opponents | Provisional IRA Irish republicans Irish nationalists |
The Third Force was a name used for groups formed by Northern Irish politician Ian Paisley. He was the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). These groups aimed to be a type of 'defensive militia' for Ulster loyalists.
The most well-known example happened on 1 April 1981. At several gatherings, large groups of men showed what they said were permits for firearms. These gatherings took place on hillsides near Gortin, Newry, and Armagh. On 3 December 1981, Ian Paisley stated that the Third Force had between 15,000 and 20,000 members. At the Gortin event, there were clashes with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), and two police vehicles were overturned.
The group was started by Paisley to support the official security forces. Paisley had also been linked to another loyalist group called the Ulster Protestant Volunteers. The Third Force grew because some people were against the increasing teamwork between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It also formed after the death of politician Robert Bradford. The Third Force mostly faded away when another group, Ulster Resistance, became more active.
Contents
What Was the Third Force?
The Third Force was a group that aimed to protect the loyalist community in Northern Ireland. It was not an official police or army group. Instead, it was a civilian group that wanted to act as a defense force.
Why Was the Third Force Formed?
The group was created during a time known as The Troubles. This was a period of conflict in Northern Ireland. People like Ian Paisley felt that the official security forces were not doing enough to protect their community. They also worried about closer ties between the UK and Irish governments.
Key Events and Activities
- Rallies in 1981: The most famous actions of the Third Force were the rallies held in April 1981. Men gathered in different locations, showing what they claimed were gun permits.
- Membership: Ian Paisley announced that the group had many members, possibly up to 20,000.
- Clashes: At one rally in Gortin, there were incidents involving the police.
External Links
- Third Force at Time magazine
