Quote Originally Posted by Philippus Flavius Homovallumus View Post
I'm not sure they even really gave them any concessions - the sectarian prejudice in NI and the lack of Civil Rights for Catholics was an acknowledged problem in the 1970's. I would say that, politically, the IRA's campaign achieved nothing that could not have been achieved much sooner through peaceful protest.
Or flagging up the problem to Westminster, making it clear it was unjust and unacceptable, and working with them to address the problem. Outside the armed struggle, Westminster's problem with Northern Ireland politics has been the reactionism of the Unionist side. If couched in liberal ideals rather than republican terms, the British government would happily take their side on civil rights and giving all Northern Irish, Catholics included, the same rights as enjoyed by any other British citizen.