provisional ira
Proper noun A militant Irish nationalist organization that historically used terrorism and guerrilla warfare tactics. Its primary stated objectives were to end British rule in Northern Ireland and to bring about a unified, independent Irish republic.
The term "Provisional IRA" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this historical paramilitary group. It is often abbreviated as "PIRA" or "the Provos." * The Provisional IRA declared a ceasefire in 1997. * Negotiations followed years of conflict involving the Provisional IRA.
- Historical Context: The term is used in historical and political analysis to distinguish this group from other republican factions, such as the "Official IRA" from which it split in 1969/1970.
- "The Provos": This is a common informal name used in journalism and colloquial speech.
- The book provides an inside account of the leadership of the Provos.
- PIRA: A common initialism for Provisional Irish Republican Army.
- IRA (Irish Republican Army): The broader organizational name. The "Provisional IRA" is the most prominent and active faction historically referred to by this general term.
- Republican paramilitaries: A broader category that includes the Provisional IRA and other groups sharing similar ideological goals.
- (The) Provos (informal)
- PIRA
It is critical to distinguish the "Provisional IRA" from the broader concept of the "IRA." While often used interchangeably in media, "Provisional IRA" refers specifically to the faction formed in 1969/1970 that was the primary republican paramilitary force during the conflict known as "The Troubles." Other factions, such as the "Continuity IRA" or the "Real IRA," are separate, later splinter groups.
- a militant organization of Irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive British forces from Northern Ireland and achieve a united independent Ireland