STATE PAPERS

Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey waves to supporters outside Leinster House after his election as taoiseach in 1987. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

State papers: ‘I cried with joy' when Haughey re-elected

Unconfined joy among some of Charlie Haughey’s most fervent supporters when returned as taoiseach in 1987

State papers: Iranian ambassador tried to bargain over release of kidnapped Brian Keenan

State papers: Iranian ambassador tried to bargain over release of kidnapped Brian Keenan

Attempt to upgrade diplomatic representation in Tehran in exchange for help in securing release ‘cynical and disquieting’

State Papers: Gardaí stood by while anglers were intimidated, says memo

State Papers: Gardaí stood by while anglers were intimidated, says memo

Introduction of rod licence in 1989 sparked protests from local fishermen

Kate Owens (36), who suffocated her baby boy, was an “exemplary prisoner”, according to the Catholic chaplain. Photograph: David Sleator

State papers: Nuns took in women sentenced to death for murder

Mother who strangled baby and woman who poisoned neighbour moved in with religious orders after their sentences were commuted, files from 1943 show

Then Labour MP Ken Livingstone invited members of Sinn Féin to the House of Commons in 1996. Photograph Dylan Martinez/Reuters

British state papers: Guests with ‘IRA connections’ left alone in House of Commons

Cabinet called for inquiry after members of Sinn Féin invited by Labour MPs were ‘left unattended for some time’

One Washington-based letter writer wrote several times to taoiseach Charles Haughey, urging him to use the writings of L Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, to resolve the conflict in Northern Ireland. Photograph: Chris Ware/Getty Images

State papers: Scientology and mass migration would solve Northern Ireland conflict

Taoiseach Charles Haughey received some novel advice from members of the public on how to end the Troubles

Then Labour leader and tánaiste Dick Spring avoided the initial handshake with Gerry Adams on the steps of Government Buildings [on September 6th, 1994] because “it was not my scene”. Photograph: Joe St Leger

British state papers: Spring’s ‘distaste’ for Adams revealed

Labour leader also said he broke off talks with Fianna Fáil in 1994 because he could not trust them, new files reveal

Bill Clinton at Mackie’s factory, Belfast, in 1995. He was the first sitting US president to visit Northern Ireland. File photograph: Eric Luke

Civil service feared Major would be ‘hiding’ from Adams during Clinton visit

British government papers show concerns over ‘hiding-behind-potted-plants scenario’

Brian Lenihan, Charles Haughey and Michael O’Kennedy at a press conference following a Haughey-Margaret Thatcher summit meeting in Dublin in December 1980. File photograph: Tom Lawlor

The Irish Times view: Neglect of the National Archives

The Garda branch of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association travelled with their families to Rome in September 1956, where they were granted an audience with Pope Pius XII. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

State papers: Garda pilgrimage to Rome in 1956 left trail of unpaid bills

Government resisted pressure to settle debts after learning gardaí had paid British travel agency

Charles Haughey on his yacht, Celtic Mist. Photograph: Don MacMonagle

State papers: Elaborate plan in place for contacting Haughey on private island

Navy, Air Corps and locals on standby to reach taoiseach in event of emergency on Inishvickillane, which had no telephone contact with mainland

Police surround Drumcree Church as hundreds of Protestant Orange Order members fill the hillside on July 10th, 1996. The Orange Order were protesting over the refusal of police to allow the order to march through a predominantly Catholic area. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell/ Reuters

British state papers: Orange march to Drumcree ‘a disaster’

RUC decision to allow parade through nationalist area in July 1996 led to widespread disturbance across Northern Ireland

A bomb on the Shankill Road on October 23rd, 1993, killed 10 people.

British state papers: Adams ‘horrified’ by Shankill bombing

Cardinal Cahal Daly said Sinn Féin leader not aware attack was being planned, account of meeting shows

Minister for foreign affairs David Andrews and Northern Secretary Peter Brooke.

State papers: Northern Ireland secretary read republican newspaper An Phoblacht

Peter Brooke also told Irish diplomat that North had ‘negligible strategic value’ to London

Northern Ireland Office minister Sir John Wheeler expressed “horror” at Sinn Féin website.

British state papers: UK government alarmed at republicans’ use of internet for propaganda

Sinn Féin website gave details of British military deployment in the North in 1996

Northern secretary James Prior and minister for justice Michael Noonan at Iveagh House, Dublin, in 1984. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

State papers: British archives show ‘other side’ of diplomatic jousting on North

Former Northern Ireland secretary highly critical of Thatcher and unionists

Fergal Caraher (20) was killed when British soldiers opened fire at a checkpoint in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, on December 30th, 1990.

British state papers: Files highlight tensions after IRA death

The shooting dead of an IRA volunteer by British troops in 1990 further strained relations between security forces and the nationalist community

In May 1996 Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the party would sign up to the Mitchell Principles on non-violence. Photograph: Reuters/Marcel Bieri/Swiss-Images

That was the year that was in Northern Ireland . . . 1996

IRA resumes murders after 18-month ceasefire breaks down, Orange march at Drumcree triggers widespread violence and all-party talks begin with Sinn Féin excluded

Political historian Dr Éamon Phoenix.

State papers: Belfast releases 787 files

Majority relate to 1996 with a small number covering earlier years

San Francisco: Cork councillor Bernie Murphy’s antics during his trip to the city left Irish officials red-faced. Photograph: AP Photo/HO/John Storey

State papers: Councillor went to San Francisco to get new teeth and jobs

Colourful Cork councillor Bernie Murphy’s visit, which made front-page headlines in the US, caused great embarrassment to Irish diplomats

Taoiseach Charles Haughey greets Crown Prince Abdullah Ben Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia upon his arrival at Dublin Airport for a two-day state visit in June 1988. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

State papers: Government officials warned not to ask Saudi prince about ‘wives’

Briefing for visit of Crown Prince Abdullah also advised covering wine bottles with ‘veil’

Keem Strand on Achill Island, Co Mayo: 73 members of the Junior Soldiers Company of the North-Irish Brigade in Ballymena had planned a week-long stay in August 1964. The adventure camp was to include swimming, climbing, canoeing and water skiing. Photograph : Design Pics / Gareth McCormack

State papers: Holiday group told they were ‘not welcome on Achill’

Junior British soldiers planned holiday camp on island in 1964 but cancelled after protests

An Irish Unifil patrol in action near At Tiri, a small village in south Lebanon. Photograph: Mark Kelleher

State papers: Killing of three Irish soldiers in Lebanon deliberate

Deaths in landmine explosion believed to be act of revenge for Lebanese explosives expert abducted by Israelis, documents show

Gardaí at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan searching in 2013 for the body of Columba McVeigh (17) who was murdered by the IRA in 1975 after being accused of informing – a claim his family strongly denies. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

List of people murdered by IRA over alleged ‘informing’ published

Sample list of alleged informers killed between 1978 and 1994 contained in newly-released records

Adare Manor: When it was offered for sale in 1980, taoiseach Charles Haughey received many representations from people who believed the State should consider acquiring it. Photo: Murray Consultants

State papers: Adare Manor wanted to host USSR-US summit

Department of Foreign Affairs chief of protocol said ‘standard of service was not adequate for a meeting of this type’

The Belfast-Dublin express train arrives at Connolly Station, Dublin, in 1987. Photograph: Jack McManus

State papers: Government official considered putting armed military on Dublin-Belfast train

Frequent bomb attacks on the railway line during the Troubles caused severe damage and disrupted services

Taoiseach Charles Haughey called for a comprehensive review of the UDR. Photograph: Colman Doyle

State papers: Government frustrated at inaction over UDR criminality

British failed to implement promised reforms of force despite numerous murder and serious criminal convictions

Willie John McBride was unrepentant about his decision to take part in the controversial World Rugby XV tour in apartheid South Africa in 1989. Photograph: Independent News And Media/Getty Images

Rugby tour to apartheid South Africa in 1989 branded ‘obscene’

Government and public condemnation forced rugby body to apologise and vow never to play in the country while apartheid laws remained

The planned restoration of Dublin Castle led to concerns within government in 1985. Photograph: Google Maps

State papers: Officials warned of risk European leaders would snub Irish summit

Department expressed fears over use of private facilities for European Council meetings

A large crater caused by a bomb destroyed part of the main Belfast to Dublin railway line close to Newry on June 30, 2000. The bomb was thought to have been the work of the dissident republican terrorist group the Real IRA. Photograph: AP Photo/Peter Morrison

IRA bomb on Dublin-Belfast line could have been ‘disastrous’

Northern Ireland Railways service was held up before bomb exploded in Lurgan

Former taoiseach John Bruton: ‘Ireland’s economic relations with Israel are very narrowly based and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.’ File photograph: Bryan O’Brien

State Papers: Bruton opposed Israeli embassy over trade and spying fears

Former minister believed facility could ‘jeopardise’ Irish trade with Arab states

Oscar Wilde’s tomb at Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris had long been daubed with graffiti by adoring fans and a cult grew up around leaving lipstick kisses on the monument.

Government was urged to repair Oscar Wilde’s grave in Paris in 1989

State papers: Handwritten note says playwright’s tomb was ‘in a mess’ and suggests Irish stonemasons be sent to clean it

Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare was home to the Duke of Leinster.

Gifting of ancient table caused protests and court actions

State papers: Charles Haughey had to intervene in row after Duke of Leinster requested 16th-century stone table be given to county council

Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev and taoiseach Charley Haughey after their meeting at Shannon Airport in April 1989. Photograph: Paddy Whelan

US feared Russia plotting Cold War spy base in Cork dockyard in 1989

State papers: American embassy diplomat raised concerns after top-level meetings between taoiseach Charles Haughey and USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and taoiseach Charles Haughey on the steps of 10 Downing Street, London, in May 1980. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

Tory party adviser ‘very struck’ by rapport between Margaret Thatcher and Charles Haughey

State papers: Official compared how British prime minister had ‘grabbed her handbag and stormed out’ of meeting with Belgian leader

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher sometimes reacted in a ‘petulant and dismissive way’ when officials tried to engage her on Northern Ireland affairs. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Thatcher ‘switches off’ when Northern Ireland comes up - Irish diplomat, 1989

State papers: Document reveals officials were also worried about British prime minister’s tendency to ‘go over the top’ on other issues

Irish Republican and Sinn Féin politician Harry Boland in New York in 1919. Photograph: Topical Press Agency/Hulton|Archive

Russian jewels hidden in Dublin chimney breast in 1920

State papers: Michael Collins’s associate Harry Boland received jewels as collateral for government’s loan of $20,000 to Russia

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher with taoiseach Charles Haughey on the steps of 10 Downing Street, London, in May 1980. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

John Bowman: 1989 a calm year in Anglo-Irish relations

State Papers: Haughey and Thatcher only held one hour of discussions in the year

Charles Haughey: The public will be able to read for the first time about what was actually said at private meetings between the then taoiseach and British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in 1989

Veil of secrecy lifted on confidential Government documents from 1989

State papers: Only a fraction of documents released this year due to staff shortages and lack of storage space

The Birmingham Six with MP Chris Mullin (centre) outside the Old Bailey in London following their release: (from left) John Walker, Paddy Hill, Hugh Callaghan, Richard McIIkenny, Gerry Hunter and William Power. Behind them is Paul Hill of the Guildford Four. Photograph Joe St Leger

Birmingham Six were furious with Haughey for not seeking their release

State papers: Paddy Joe Hill wrote to taoiseach pleading with him to take their case to European Court of Human Rights

Republic of Ireland players John Aldridge and Kevin Sheedy celebrate a goal in the Word Cup qualifier against Malta on November 15th, 1989. Photograph: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

That was the year that was . . . 1989

Release of Guildford Four, fall of Berlin Wall and Ireland qualifying for World Cup for the first time among highlights

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher at an EEC Summit in Dublin Castle in November 1979. Photograph: Pat Langan

State papers: Thatcher very sceptical about European Union

Prime minister’s remarks in private meeting with Charles Haughey reveal British antipathy to Europe that would eventually lead to Brexit

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher claimed then chancellor Helmut Kohl wanted to “bulldoze” Germany into seeking more territory, expressing fear this might lead to conflict and war in Europe. Photograph: PA Wire

State papers: Thatcher opposed German reunification after collapse of Berlin Wall

British prime minister feared an enlarged Germany would become too powerful

DUP leader Ian Paisley, accompanied by deputy leader Peter Robinson (left), speaks to the media afer a meeting with members of the Irish government at Government Buildings, Dublin, in November 2005. Photograph: Gareth Chaney Collins

State papers: Paisley ‘vigorously’ backed membership of EEC

Despite public histrionic denouncements, North’s first minister advocated getting ‘as much as possible out of the cow’

The Birmingham Six with MP Chris Mullin (centre) outside the Old Bailey in London following their release: (from left) John Walker, Paddy Hill, Hugh Callaghan, Richard McIIkenny, Gerry Hunter and William Power. Behind them is Paul Hill of the Guildford Four. Photograph Joe St Leger.

British government feared ‘tabloid scandal’ if it released Birmingham Six

State papers: The six Irishmen were jailed for life in 1975 after being wrongfully convicted of the murders of 21 people in IRA bomb attacks on two pubs

Pat Finucane: his murder caused a furore and a serious rift in Anglo-Irish relations. Photograph: Pacemaker Belfast

Haughey's government concerned RUC encouraging loyalist gunmen to target lawyers

State papers: Concerns raised weeks before murder of Northern Irish solicitor Pat Finucane

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