State Papers and Official Records
Both the British and Irish and Northern Irish governments release annually what are sometimes known as State Papers, or Cabinet Papers or Official Records.
The papers were generally released under what was known as the Thirty Year Rule, although some of the timelines have changed in recent years. Sometimes records deemed sensitive are locked away for longer.
NI’s Public Record Office handles the release locally, and its annual release policy is explained in more detail here.
Every year, Éamon could be seen in the likes of PRONI’s offices devouring each year’s releases.
His expert reports, particularly in the Irish News, are an invaluable political and historical record of modern Irish history, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland. Over time we plan to greatly add to this collection.
A selection of State Papers (1979-1998)
1979 state papers (page 1)
Diplomats angered by lack of security for Mountbatten; Files on assassination of Airey Neave not released; Tensions grew between US and Britain over RUC guns.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 2)
Election of Tories met by surge in political violence.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 3)
Priest tried to ease tensions in H Block.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 4)
Widening gulf between London and Dublin clear during summit; Row over guards’ right to shoot escapees.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 5)
Hostility shown to priest’s efforts on behalf of inmates.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 6)
Irish government paid expenses to the SDLP; Hume ‘wanted internment brought back to tackle IRA’.
Published December 30 2009
1979 state papers (page 7)
Prisoners were kept inside over theft fears; Bullet-proof glass was ruled out in bid to safeguard Pope.
Published December 30 2009
1989 state papers (page 1)
RUC rank and file had become ‘more sectarian’ during 1980s; UDR tried to intimidate Irish army checkpoint.
Published December 30 2016
1989 state papers (page 2)
Murder of comedian’s father features in files; Anger at arrests of 28 UDR members; Stalker confided in Irish diplomat.
Published December 30 2016
1989 state papers (page 3)
Prospect of NIO minister attending GAA game discussed; IRA plan to exploit key Tory policy.
Published December 30 2016
1989 state papers (page 4)
Concern over ‘hard-border’ stance; Violent scenes at Stormont.
Published December 30 2016
1989 state papers (page 5)
Collapse of Hume-Adams talks anticipated; Bishop warned of ‘deep scepticism’; Tensions in the SDLP.
Published December 30 2016
1989 state papers (page 6)
Thatcher had deep misgivings over reunification of Germany; Tory coup shock.
Published December 30 2016
1992 state papers (page 1)
Paisley ‘sought arms from Israeli envoy’.
Published December 29 2017
1992 state papers (page 2)
UVF told Haughey MI5 ordered his assassination.
Published December 29 2017
1992 state papers (page 4)
Enniskillen bombing may have been a premeditated attack; ‘Paisley KFC smear attempt’ by the NIO.
Published December 29 2017
1992 state papers (page 5)
Irish language act prefigured in previously confidential files; Bishops voice opposition to priority funding for integrated education.
Published December 29 2017
1992 state papers (page 6)
Vatican lobbied to issue papal statement denouncing IRA violence.
Published December 29 2017
1992 state papers (page 7)
Highlighting ban on abortion in Northern Ireland; Report shows underfunding of Catholic schools in north.
Published December 29 2017