Key 1989–1991 records now online via National Archives and CAIN partnership

A set of 640 documents, covering events relating to Northern Ireland over the period 1989-1991, have been added to the CAIN Archive as part of an ongoing partnership between Ulster University and the National Archives, Ireland (NAI). The addition of this new material brings the total number of NAI documents to just over 6,200 items.

The newly released material covers a wide range of topics such as:

• the culmination of campaigns on behalf of the Birmingham Six, Guildford Four and others including the Maguire family
• ongoing efforts by the British and Irish governments to initiate a talks process to facilitate a political settlement in Northern Ireland
• various legal and security issues such as those dealing with extradition, parading, collusion as well as the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland

Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives, noted that:
“The National Archives is proud to continue its partnership with Ulster University and CAIN in making these historically significant records freely accessible to the public. These documents offer vital insights into a pivotal period in Northern Ireland’s history and reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the archival record. We hope this material will support deeper understanding, scholarship, and engagement with our shared past.”

Dr Brendan Lynn, Ulster University’s CAIN Deputy Director, added:

“Ulster University and CAIN are pleased to have been able to work with the National Archives, Ireland to update the existing section which will now provide users with material spanning the years from 1965 to 1998.  In addition, it has allowed CAIN to continue with its long-term objective of working with individuals, groups or organisations with relevant information to produce digital versions of their material and make it more accessible to a wider audience.  All the information is readily available and free of charge.  It will be of great use to students, researchers, teachers and lecturers or to anyone with an interest in the political and social history of Northern Ireland.”

Conflict Archive on the Internet (CAIN) is a project based in the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) at Ulster University. CAIN’s work on this project with the National Archives has been supported by the Reconciliation Fund, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

To learn more read our article Revealing the past: political and security insights from 1989–1991