Focus on: James Chichester-Clarke and His Reforms

Who Was James Chichester-Clark?

• James Chichester-Clark was a prominent Northern Irish politician who became Prime Minister of Northern Ireland after the resignation of Terence O'Neill in 1969. Born on February 12, 1923, into a well-known Anglo-Irish family, Chichester-Clark was part of the Protestant unionist elite that dominated Northern Ireland's political landscape.

• He was educated at Eton College and later served in the Irish Guards during World War II, where he earned a reputation for bravery.

  

• His family had a long history of political involvement, and his cousin was Basil Brooke, 1st Viscount Brookeborough, a former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

• Chichester-Clark entered politics in the 1950s, becoming a Member of the Northern Ireland Parliament for South Londonderry in 1955.

• He quickly rose through the ranks of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), holding various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Commerce.

• Chichester-Clark was known for his moderate views compared to some of his contemporaries, and he initially supported O'Neill's attempts to modernise Northern Ireland and address the grievances of the Catholic community.

• However, as O'Neill's reforms faced increasing resistance from hardline unionists and loyalists, Chichester-Clark's position within the party became more significant.

• His eventual break with O'Neill over the handling of civil rights issues and the growing unrest in Northern Ireland set the stage for his rise to the premiership.

How James Chichester-Clark Took Over from O'Neill

• Terence O'Neill's attempts to modernise Northern Ireland and address civil rights demands led to growing divisions within the Ulster Unionist Party and increasing unrest in the streets.
• By 1969, the situation had become untenable, with O'Neill facing opposition from both hardline unionists, led by figures like Ian Paisley, and nationalists, who felt his reforms were too limited and too late.
• In April 1969, O'Neill attempted to introduce the controversial "one man, one vote" policy for local elections, a reform that aimed to address the inequality in voting rights that favoured Protestants.
• This move was met with fierce resistance from within his own party, particularly from unionists who feared it would weaken their political dominance.
• Chichester-Clark, who had been a close ally of O'Neill, eventually resigned from the government in protest against the reform, reflecting the deepening divisions within the UUP.
• O'Neill's position became increasingly untenable as violence escalated and bombings, initially blamed on the IRA but later revealed to be the work of loyalists, rocked Northern Ireland. On April 28, 1969, O'Neill resigned, acknowledging his failure to break the cycle of sectarian hatred.
• Following O'Neill's resignation, James Chichester-Clark emerged as the consensus candidate to succeed him, largely because of his reputation as a moderate who could unite the party.
• He was seen as someone who could continue O'Neill's reforms but with a steadier hand and greater sensitivity to unionist concerns.
• Chichester-Clark's appointment was also a response to the growing instability, as many hoped he could restore order and prevent Northern Ireland from descending further into violence.

What Were Chichester-Clark's Main Reforms?

• As Prime Minister, James Chichester-Clark faced the enormous challenge of trying to stabilise Northern Ireland during a period of escalating violence and political unrest.

• His tenure was marked by a mix of attempts to continue O'Neill's reform agenda and efforts to appease the hardline elements within his party and the broader unionist community.

• Continuation of O'Neill's Reforms: Chichester-Clark initially sought to continue some of O'Neill's policies aimed at addressing the demands of the civil rights movement. This included efforts to implement the "one man, one vote" policy and other electoral reforms intended to make the political system more equitable.

• Security Measures: In response to the increasing violence, Chichester-Clark's government introduced stronger security measures. This included the deployment of the British Army to assist the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in maintaining order, particularly after the outbreak of serious rioting in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry in 1969. These measures were intended to restore law and order but also deepened divisions between the Catholic community and the state.

• Attempted Economic Reforms: Chichester-Clark recognised the need to address the economic disparities that had contributed to unrest in Northern Ireland. His government made efforts to attract investment and create jobs, particularly in the economically depressed areas of the west, though these initiatives were often overshadowed by the ongoing violence.

• The Hunt Report and Policing Reforms: In 1969, the Hunt Report recommended significant changes to the structure and operation of the RUC. Chichester-Clark implemented some of these recommendations, including the disarming of the RUC and the disbanding of the B-Specials, a paramilitary police force that was widely distrusted by the Catholic community. These reforms were aimed at making policing more impartial and reducing tensions, though they were met with resistance from unionists.

  • The Introduction of Internment: Under pressure from hardline unionists and in response to escalating violence, Chichester-Clark eventually authorised the introduction of internment without trial in 1971, a policy aimed at detaining suspected IRA members. This move was highly controversial and led to widespread protests, particularly from the Catholic community, who saw it as a tool of repression.

• Chichester: Clark's reforms were a mix of attempts to maintain stability while addressing some of the underlying issues that had led to unrest. However, the escalating violence, growing sectarian tensions, and the limitations of his reforms made it increasingly difficult for him to govern effectively.