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In 1971, a new party called the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) was set up, led by Ian Paisley. Paisley was well known for his fiercely anti-Catholic, anti-Nationalist and anti-British government views.
Some extreme Unionists set up Protestant private armies: the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). These organisations specialised in "sectarian" murders: the killing of innocent Catholics in retaliation for IRA attacks on Protestant policemen and part-time soldiers.
No power-sharing
Since 1972, Unionists have opposed all moves to involve Nationalists in the government of Ulster. In 1974 they wrecked the "Power-sharing" system by means of a general strike of all Protestant workers.
Cease-fire and beyond
In 1993 there was an agreement between Adams and Hume. The two men informed Dublin that there was a possibility of the IRA ceasing its violence. On 31 August the IRA announced that there would be a cease-fire. Shortly afterwards the loyalist paramilitaries also declared a cease-fire.
The British government wanted the IRA began to hand over weapon. The IRA refused. In February 1996 the IRA ended the cease-fire, and killed two people in London. In 1997 Tony Blair became British Prime Minister, and his new Labour government tried to get peace talks going. The IRA declared a new cease-fire in July 1997, and Sinn Féin was allowed to join the peace talks. Negotiations continued throughout late 1997 and early 1998. On 10 April 1998, Good Friday, a peace deal was agreed. Under the Good Friday Agreement a new power-sharing assembly was given day-to-day control over Northern Ireland.
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