Inside the IRA: Dissident Republicans and the War for Legitimacy

Who is the ‘real’ IRA? The Real IRA, the Continuity IRA, the Irish National Liberation Army, the Official IRA and the Provisional IRA have all assumed responsibility for the struggle for Irish freedom over the course of the late-twentieth century. Yet as recently as 1969 there was only one Irish Republican Army which had attempted to unify Ireland using physical force. Andrew Sanders explains how and why the transition from one IRA to several IRAs occurred, analysing all the dissident factions that have emerged since the outbreak of the Northern Ireland troubles. He looks at why these groups emerged, what their respective purposes are, and why, in an era of relative peace and stability in Northern Ireland, they seek to prolong the violence that cost over 3500 lives. Key Features Exclusive interviews with members of all dissident and mainstream republican organizations, all loyalist factions and security force sources. Extensive archival research. The first scholarly analysis of Irish republican division. Shows influence of Irish-America in provoking dissent within republicanism.

Reviews of Inside the IRA: Dissident Republicans and the War for Legitimacy

A compelling study of one of the most important themes in modern Irish politics. The question of schism and re-born militancy remains potent in contemporary Irish republicanism, and Sanders' historically informed analysis represents a significant, illuminating interpretation. — Richard English, author of Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA A compelling study of one of the most important themes in modern Irish politics. The question of schism and re-born militancy remains potent in contemporary Irish republicanism, and Sanders' historically informed analysis represents a significant, illuminating interpretation.