Declassified files help to correct ‘distorting’ narrative of Thatcher’s memoirs
Analysis: Records suggest she was irascible on Ireland, shallow and very often uncertain on detail
Margaret Thatcher published her memoirs in 1993, whereas Haughey (pictured with the former British prime minister in May 1980) never wrote his. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images
That the official records from the Department of the Taoiseach and of Foreign Affairs for 1988 are becoming available only now after 30 years leaves the Irish side playing “catch-up” in Anglo-Irish relations.
The British have long since begun their incremental switch from a 30-year rule to a policy which will eventually have them open all records after 20 years.