
Case Study: The Irish Republican Army (IRA)
Facts The Origin of The Irish Republican Army The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was founded in 1922. After operating for more than 80 years it is arguably the longest-operating terrorist organization in Western Europe (START, 2011d). The origin of the IRA has it roots in a deep conflict over the influence and governance from Great Britain (BBC, 2011a). Great Britain has ruled over Ireland from the 17th century (Darby, 1995; Fitzduff & O’Hagan, 2009). However, after a violent gu