National Archives - Clergy talks fail to bridge political gap for ceasefire

Efforts to secure an end to the IRA’s campaign ultimately proved fruitless, writes Ryle Dwyer.

Jack Weir, Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, informed Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave on December 8, 1974 that leaders of the four largest churches planned to launch a peace campaign.

Two days later Rev Weir and four other Protestant clergymen met representatives of the Provisional IRA in Feakle, Co Clare.