Irish officials expressed concerns that the September 11 attacks would significantly alter how United States politicians perceived the Northern Ireland peace process. Newly released documents from the National Archives of Ireland reveal that a Government official prepared a briefing one day after the attacks, which claimed over 2,900 lives and injured thousands more.
The document highlights the early uncertainty regarding the foreign policy direction of the George W. Bush administration. The official noted that the US would likely not enter a prolonged period of introspection, as internal security and terrorism would “dominate the agenda for a long time to come.” The peace process, previously supported by several US legislators involved in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, would have to compete for attention against emerging issues related to terrorism.
The briefing document indicates that US legislators might adopt a more stringent approach towards republican factions in Northern Ireland, influenced by a heightened focus on national security. It advised that any plans regarding the review of the Good Friday Agreement and visits to Washington, D.C., should take this new reality into account.
The document also referenced President Bush’s statement that his administration would “make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” This sentiment foreshadowed a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism that could shape US foreign and defense policies for years to come. The official predicted that US foreign policy would increasingly prioritize the war against international terrorism, potentially overshadowing nuanced discussions about conflict resolution.
As US policymakers grappled with the implications of the attacks, the document warned that distinctions between various terrorist organizations might be overlooked. The characterisation of the perpetrators as linked to “Middle East/Islamic elements” could lead to broader scrutiny of the republican movement in Ireland, as all forms of “terrorism” began to be viewed collectively.
The document cautioned that if the republican movement did not act swiftly to disarm, it could face a “very chilly” and “more hostile environment” in the US. The perception of failure to meet disarmament commitments, coupled with associations with the Colombian guerrilla group FARC, could undermine its standing in American political circles.
Historically, the Irish-American caucus in Congress had shown support for the republican movement’s transition to democratic politics. However, with Congress now aligned with the administration’s view that the US was engaged in a war on terrorism, Irish-American lawmakers might feel compelled to adopt a more critical stance towards the republican movement.
The document pointed out that the “whiff of cordite” associated with the republican movement, which had previously added to the appeal of Sinn Féin leaders in the US, could now become a liability. In the shifting landscape following the attacks, this perception might negatively impact Sinn Féin’s respectability and access to influential circles.
On the same day as the briefing, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern reached out to President Bush to convey Ireland’s condolences regarding the attacks. Ahern expressed his profound shock and sadness, condemning the “horrendous and unprecedented attacks” while extending support to the American people.
The file, labelled 2023/50/525, demonstrates how closely Irish officials monitored US commentary in the aftermath of September 11. Notably, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer mentioned the IRA in discussions about potential targets in the war on terrorism, though he later clarified that actions would be limited to groups posing a direct threat to the US.
As Ireland navigates its relationship with the US in the wake of 9/11, the implications for the Northern Ireland peace process remain significant. The evolving nature of US foreign policy could reshape the landscape for Irish republicans and their efforts to maintain peace and progress in their region.
