State Papers 1990: IRA did not want Sinn Féin involved in backchannel peace talks with British

(Paul Faith/PA)

The IRA wanted to freeze Sinn Féin out of proposed backchannel talks with the British about ending the Troubles, according to state archives.

An internal Government communique reported that the IRA Army Council informed two prison chaplains in spring 1990 that it was prepared to enter exploratory discussions with the UK.