Thatcher said RCsdoomed to exclusion

She is reported to have made the comments at Chequers when debating the prospect of the introduction of power-sharing here in 1984.

A confidential record of the Anglo-Irish Summit of November 1984, reveals the two Prime Ministers differed on the question of a new political framework in Northern Ireland.

“On this, the Taoiseach had repeatedly reverted to the subject of power-sharing, which was anathema to the Unionists,” a newly-released account of the meeting reveals.

“The Prime Minister said that she had pointed out that exclusion from the exercise of power was a fate shared by all minorities when political parties were based on religion or race.”

According to the same minute it was agreed the Government could not impose a political framework on Northern Ireland and that it could only encourage talks.