a. Agreed to negotiate.
b. Misspent most of their funding.
c. Lost the support of the citizens.
d. Were suppressed by the military presence.
The decline of violence in Northern Ireland, particularly during and after the Troubles (1969–1998), can be attributed to multiple factors. However, the most decisive factor was the willingness of paramilitary organizations to negotiate, leading to the Good Friday Agreement (1998). This aligns with option (a) Agreed to negotiate.
Key Factors in the Decline of Violence
The Good Friday Agreement (1998)
This landmark peace accord established power-sharing between nationalist and unionist parties, disarmament of paramilitary groups, and a roadmap for long-term reconciliation (UK House of Commons Report, 2022).
According to Dr. Jonathan Tonge (University of Liverpool), the agreement’s success lay in its ability to address grievances while ensuring a democratic process.
Declining Public Support for Violence
Many paramilitary groups, including the IRA, faced backlash due to civilian casualties and economic hardship.
A 1994 survey by the University of Ulster found that over 70% of Northern Irish citizens preferred a political resolution over continued conflict.
International and Domestic Pressure
The U.S. Government (via Senator George Mitchell) played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations.
The UK and Irish governments imposed legal and financial restrictions on terrorist funding, forcing militant groups to reconsider their approach (UK Home Office, 2001).
Military Presence and Political Stalemates
Operation Banner (1969–2007), the British Army’s deployment in Northern Ireland, reduced large-scale violence.
Both sides reached a point where military action alone could not achieve lasting peace.
Conclusion
While military action, economic conditions, and public sentiment influenced the process, negotiations and the Good Friday Agreement (1998) were the defining factors in ending large-scale violence.
Correct Answer: (a) Agreed to negotiate.
