The Troubles - A Secret History

Spotlight On The Troubles: A Secret History

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Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

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Factual: History

Documentary series offering new insights into the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Episode 1

BBC One

Simulcast of BBC One Northern Ireland in high definition. From 24/10/2012

BBC One Northern Ireland HD

BBC Northern Ireland region started on 19th April 1955 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One Northern Ireland.

BBC One Northern Ireland

Jennifer O'Leary

Gwyneth Jones

Jeremy Adams

Maurice May

Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History: Series 1: Episode 3

Episode 3

Series 1

BBC One - Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History, Series 1, Episode 3

How the IRA acquired arms abroad and started on a political path alongside the violence.

Jennifer O’Leary uncovers IRA arms connections around the world and charts how republicans built a political strategy in parallel with their armed campaign.


When Margaret Thatcher entered Downing Street in 1979, she was confronted by an IRA prepared to conduct a long war of attrition against Britain. Jennifer O’Leary discovers arms connections in America and Libya and speaks directly to individuals involved in smuggling weapons for the IRA. She also hears an astonishing admission about the Brighton bomb, which almost killed Mrs Thatcher, and other attacks in Britain. 

Out of the IRA hunger strikes, Irish republicans also developed the parallel political strategy that saw their leader, Gerry Adams, elected to parliament. Success at the ballot box began to build tension inside the IRA between those who wanted to build their political path and those who primarily adhered to their long war.

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Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

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Episode 3

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