ABSTRACT
This chapter, though an assessment of British policy towards Northern Ireland during Mrs Thatcher's premiership, seeks to fulfil a number of objectives. It concerns itself with an evaluation of the policies followed, with some tentative comments on the prospects for their future success in bringing an end to the Northern Ireland conflict. In an attempt to force the British government into some flexibility over police tactics and possible negotiations in Northern Ireland, the US State Department announced that it was suspending the sale of handguns to the RUC. The signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement was a watershed and a major advance in British policy on Northern Ireland. First, it is clear that British policy on Northern Ireland throughout the Thatcher years was designed to bring an end to direct rule from Westminster. Future success in initiating talks will depend upon the British government’s ability and determination to do two things..
