The Troubles

Template:Add A colloquialism, widely used in the UK and Ireland to refer to the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland which flared into serious sustained violence following a Civil Rights March from Belfast to Derry in 1969. The march was one of a series of protests aimed at the injustice of gross entrenched discrimination against the Catholic (largely Nationalist/Republican sympathising) population over employment, particularly in the public services. It was ambushed and attacked with extreme violence by a determined organised Protestant mob led by one Ronald Bunting at Burntollet Bridge, about 5 miles from its planned destination. The RUC were accused of doing nothing to prevent to attack and of standing by whilst it was in progress. There were also credible allegations that many of the attackers were also member of the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) - known colloquially as the 'B-Specials'.