Redefining the Role of the British Military in Ireland: Debates Over Peace, 1990-95

The 1990s were dominated in Northern Ireland by the 'peace process'. This was an attempt by both the British and Irish Governments to find some form of compromise solution to the Troubles. The first half of the decade was marked by attempts to persuade the PIRA to lay down its arms, to debate the decommissioning of weapons and to attempt to impose a durable cease-fire on Ireland. The British Army were, during this period, in the position of having to underwrite these ambitions.