Mary Kenny

Humiliating the IRA was a fatal mistake

At the height of the Troubles, Westminster’s hardline attitude and brutal interrogations were unlawful and self-defeating, according to Ian Cobain

Flames leap from Westminster Hall after an IRA bomb explodes in June 1974. Credit: Getty Images

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading for free

Subscribe today to get 3 months’ free digital access.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828
  • Plus, three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph

Comments

Join the debate for free — this month only

This month, be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for free. We’ll also give you three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph.

Already a subscriber? Log in