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4 unusual facts about Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party


Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party

After the suspension of the Stormont Parliament, Faulkner moved towards a policy of power-sharing with nationalist and non-sectarian politicians under the Sunningdale Agreement.

In late 1973 it rejected the idea of compulsory power sharing with Irish Nationalists and consequently refused invitations to take part in the conferences which led to the Sunningdale Agreement.

It opposed the Sunningdale Agreement and was involved in extra-parliamentary activity against the agreement.

When devolution was restored in 1998, the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister were created instead.


1972 and 1973 Dublin bombings

William Craig, leader of the Unionist Vanguard movement, addressed a meeting of right-wing MPs in Westminster who belonged to the Monday Club on 19 October during which he claimed he could mobilise 80,000 men who "are prepared to come out and shoot and kill".


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