Top-rated
Mon, Sep 9, 2019
The Spotlight team traces how, in the 1960s, suspicion led to unrest between unionists and nationalists, undermining Northern Ireland's government. The arrival of the British Army in August 1969 brought a break in the conflict, and the soldiers were greeted as protectors by many nationalists. That relationship was spoiled by fatal errors and calculated acts of violence. New information about Martin McGuinness's role at that time is brought to light. Ending with the breaking up of the Northern Ireland government, when IRA members believed they were about to force the British Army out of Northern Ireland.
Top-rated
Mon, Oct 7, 2019
Traces how unionist anger grew as IRA attacks on the security forces killed members of their community. When Margaret Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985, giving the Republic of Ireland political influence in the North, the anger spilled over into talk of insurrection. The programme reveals how loyalist groups rearmed and used intelligence leaks from soldiers and police to boost their campaign of killing, including new information about MI5 agents operating inside the largest loyalist group, the Ulster Defence Association.
Top-rated
Mon, Oct 14, 2019
Loyalists killed more people than the IRA in the closing years of the Troubles. Through an insider in one of the most notorious killer gangs, Mandy McAuley discovers that not only was the Ulster Volunteer Force carrying out more attacks, it was also deliberately targeting families of Irish republicans. Revelations about the murders of two young brothers lead to calls for the investigation into the killings to be reopened.
Top-rated
Mon, Oct 21, 2019
How the UK government policy changed, from seeking to destroy the IRA to bringing it to peace. And how secret talks, doublespeak and smart tactical maneuvering ensured that Gerry Adams was able to persuade the IRA to go with the deal. In this final episode of the series, reporter Darragh MacIntyre hears the inside story of the peace process from within the IRA and the British government. He discovers new information about the internal battle for control of the IRA during the most delicate days of the peace process and learns about the scale of secrecy that still surrounds the conflict.