Remembering 'Bloody' Maggie's Role in the Hunger Strikes
Margaret Thatcher's passing yesterday brings to mind a very stormy period in Anglo-Irish relations, the period of The Hunger Strikes [CAIN Web Service], which Dame Thatcher oversaw. The protest began with Bobby Sands' decision on March 1, 1981, to refuse food, and ended seven months later, on Oct. 3, when the six remaining prisoners on strike decided to end their protest. Meanwhile, 10, including Sands, died, leaving much of the world to ask, "Why?"
Left, Margaret Thatcher reviewing troops in Ulster on March 6, 1981, just five days after Bobby Sands began his hunger strike. AP File Photo
In his 2005 memoir, "Green Suede Shoes: An Irish-American Odyssey," Black 47 front man Larry Kirwan wrote about the impact that the strikes had on Irish Americans, who gathered in Manhattan in a kind of vigil and protest as they watched these men, one-by-one, surrender their lives for the cause of Irish unification.
Larry kindly let us share this reminiscence with WG readers two years ago to commemorate the Hunger Strike's 30th anniversary. In it, he wrote:
"Margaret Thatcher did not have the sense or the good grace to attempt a meaningful compromise with Sands and his comrades. No matter what one thought of the conflict in the North of Ireland, who could have denied that those prisoners had a political point of view and were pursuing it for political ends? That's what the hunger strike was all about; that's what the ultimate points of principle hinged on. And that's why the protestors lined Third Avenue every minute of the day for months on end, until 10 young men starved to death. And when it was over, Irish-America was not the same. A new generation had been politicized and would hand down a new folk memory to their children and the generations following."
Tell us your reflections on the passing of Margaret Thatcher, a key player in the evolution of the geo-political landscape we see in the 32 counties today.
Bit Devine
Yesterday, I woke to the news that the Devil had chosen his bride. My first thought was for the tortured souls who could now dance light and free knowing that she had finally made the journey to the depths of Hell.
Throughout the day, I would engage in conversations, vehement discussions and deflect taunts and slurs.
At the end of the day, I poured a large dram of whiskey and sent the angel's share to one and all of her victims. My Gran, I would like to think, is sharing a Dram or two with Michael Devine and the rest..
I always am amazed by the fascination with British government officials that a lot of people here in America have...indeed, in all matters British... I mean, we won our fight for freedom...didn't we?
Apr 9, 2013
Gerry Regan
Yes, but Bit, with respect, I don't agree that Maggie Thatcher's passing is a cause for celebration. Perhaps I'm too philosophical, but she didn't seem an introspective soul, and I suspect she never considered her callous response to the hunger strikers as anything but doing her job. I'm not excusing this, I'm just uncomfortable judging. Let the facts of history speak for themselves, in my view. RIP.
Apr 9, 2013
Bit Devine
And many people share your sentiment....but quite a few share the other sentiment ...I whispered a prayer for her soul but also said a prayer for those who suffered so
It was not just Irish folk...but the common British and Scots as well... And, in my family, living in Birmingham England, Glasgow, Crossmaglen, Newry and Roscommon...the effect was multiplied...Innocent civilians with no attachment to the IRA were targeted...then there was the coal miners strike...working class communities were devestated....
Perhaps, I too would like to hope, in an introspective moment, she did give a thought to those she had callously dismissed.. Did she do good as well? To be sure that she did...but there is always need for a balance of perspective
Though she is not solely to blame....a mostly spineless Irish government who did nothing to stop her policies also contributed
Apr 9, 2013