The power sharing executive that was created in Northern Ireland in 1974 was the first attempt to bring both sides of the "troubles" in Northern Ireland together. It collapsed after 6 months due to a loyalist strike and the Labour government's belief that that the collapse of the executive was a good thing.
(NB the executive was set up by the Conservatives)
However I believe that the executive could have survived if two things had occurred:
First in the February 1974 general election the pro-executive parties had banded together and formed a more coherent pro-executive voice in Westminster.
Second the pace of devolution was slowed down. Instead of rushing through the Council Of Ireland the executive took a gentler pace by gaining acceptance from most of Northern Ireland.
Obviously there would have been implacable enemies such as Paisley but I feel that the above steps may have been successful.
Has anyone any thoughts?
(NB the executive was set up by the Conservatives)
However I believe that the executive could have survived if two things had occurred:
First in the February 1974 general election the pro-executive parties had banded together and formed a more coherent pro-executive voice in Westminster.
Second the pace of devolution was slowed down. Instead of rushing through the Council Of Ireland the executive took a gentler pace by gaining acceptance from most of Northern Ireland.
Obviously there would have been implacable enemies such as Paisley but I feel that the above steps may have been successful.
Has anyone any thoughts?