Britain sends in troops to help quell the civil unrest. Gunner Robert Curtis is killed by machine gun fire and becomes the first British soldier to die in Northern Ireland. In August troops arrest hundreds who are interned without trial, which triggers more violence and political unrest. The British government disbands the Northern Ireland parliament March 30 and imposes direct rule. Under the Sunningdale Agreement, a coalition government is formed but collapses after a Protestant strike and controversy over power-sharing issues.
Direct rule resumes.
1981 IRA prisoner Bobby Sands begins a hunger strike in Maze Prison near Belfast to protest his status as an ordinary criminal instead of recognition as a political prisoner. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland sign the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which gives the Irish Republic a consultative role on behalf of Catholics in some matters concerning Northern Ireland. At their funeral, loyalist gunman Michael Stone opens fire and throws grenades at mourners, killing three and wounding 50. A few days later, at the funeral procession of one of the three victims, two British soldiers drive near the cortege and are beaten and fatally shot by a mob. An investigation into the case found police misconduct, coerced confessions and fabrication of evidence.