Operation Demetrius and its aftermath: A new history of the use of internment without trial in Northern Ireland 1971-75

This book examines the use of internment without trial in Northern Ireland between 1971 and 1975. This research provides a more comprehensive account of internment and assesses previously unexplored aspects of its use. Drawing on archival sources the high politics and intelligence surrounding the introduction of internment are considered and in doing so accepted narratives regarding the measure are challenged. It is established that the quality of intelligence on both republican and loyalist paramilitaries was of a much better quality than previously thought. The book also highlights long-term and short-term consequences which developed from the internment period; some of which have not been given adequate consideration before. In addition this book traces the evolution of 'The Troubles' outside of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry between 1970 and 1972. A minute reconstruction of events from the newspapers of four provincial towns Lurgan, Dungannon, Newry and Enniskillen is provided. In doing so it is argued that the development of the dynamics of the conflict across the whole of Northern Ireland was certainly more gradual and possibly less inevitable than has been previously identified.
This text will be essential reading for academics and students of British and Irish political History, and those with an interest in counter-terrorism.