Ulster Army Council facts for kids
The Ulster Army Council (or UAC) was a group formed in Northern Ireland in 1973. It was like a team-up between two main groups, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Their goal was to work together during a big workers' strike called the Ulster Workers' Council Strike. Andy Tyrie was the leader of the UAC. He was also in charge of the Ulster Defence Association at that time.
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What Was the Ulster Army Council?
The Ulster Army Council was an "umbrella group." This means it brought together several different groups under one main organization. Its main purpose was to help these groups work together. They wanted to coordinate their actions during important events.
Who Were the Members?
Besides the UDA and UVF, several other groups joined the Ulster Army Council. These included:
- The Orange Volunteers
- Down Orange Welfare
- Ulster Special Constabulary Association
- Ulster Volunteer Service Corps
- Red Hand Commandos
One source, Don Anderson, said that a group called the Ulster Service Corps also joined in early 1974. This group was based in County Fermanagh and south Tyrone. However, most other sources say the Ulster Service Corps started later, around 1976 or 1977.
What Did the UAC Want to Do?
The main goal of the Ulster Army Council was to create a large loyalist army. They hoped to have about 20,000 members. This army would be ready to take control of Northern Ireland if they felt it was necessary.
Preventing Irish Reunification
A big concern for these groups was to stop any attempt to reunite Ireland. This meant they did not want Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland. If they felt this was going to happen, the UAC planned to take control of Northern Ireland. They would then declare it an independent state, which is called a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI).
Role During the Strike
At the start of the Ulster Workers' Council Strike, the UAC had an important job. They wanted to get many people out on the streets. These people would act as "vigilantes." Their presence was meant to encourage workers who were unsure about joining the strike. Andy Tyrie believed this tactic was very important for the strike to succeed.
However, after a few days, the UAC's role became less important. This was because most of the Protestant workers had already decided to support the strike on their own.
What Happened After the Strike?
After the 1974 strike, the Ulster Army Council was replaced. A new group took its place. This new group was called the Ulster Loyalist Central Co-ordinating Committee (ULCCC).
