Introduction
“We are political prisoners,” declared Dolours Price, her voice echoing with defiance during one of her many hunger strikes. These words, uttered in the stark confines of a British prison cell, encapsulate the fierce commitment and unwavering dedication to Irish republicanism that defined the lives of Dolours and Marian Price. The Price sisters, hailing from a family steeped in republican tradition, became prominent figures in the tumultuous era known as the Troubles. Their journey, marked by activism, controversial acts, and intense personal sacrifice, left an indelible mark on Irish society and continues to spark debate decades later.
This article delves into the multifaceted lives of Dolours and Marian Price, exploring their early involvement in Irish republicanism, their participation in the infamous Old Bailey bombing, and the subsequent imprisonment that tested their resolve. Furthermore, we will examine the controversies surrounding their later years, particularly Dolours Price’s revelations regarding IRA activities and the implications of those disclosures. Finally, we will analyze the complex and often contradictory legacy of the Price sisters, acknowledging the polarizing impact of their actions and their enduring influence on the discourse surrounding the Troubles.
Early Life and Radicalization
The Price sisters were not born into a vacuum; their upbringing was deeply intertwined with the fabric of Irish republicanism. Their aunt, Brigid Dolan, was a member of Cumann na mBan, the women’s auxiliary of the Irish Republican Army, during the Irish War of Independence. This familial connection to republican ideals undoubtedly shaped their formative years. Growing up in Belfast during a period of escalating sectarian violence and political unrest, Dolours and Marian witnessed firsthand the injustices and inequalities that fueled the conflict. Events such as the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday served as catalysts for their radicalization, solidifying their belief that armed struggle was necessary to achieve a united Ireland and secure the rights of the nationalist community.
Inspired by their family history and the escalating violence around them, the Price sisters joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the early nineteen seventies. Initially, they were involved in support roles, providing safe houses and transporting materials. However, their commitment and intelligence soon led to their recruitment into more active roles within the organization.
The Old Bailey Bombing and Imprisonment
Nineteen seventy-three marked a turning point in the lives of the Price sisters and propelled them into the international spotlight. Amidst a climate of escalating tensions between the British government and Irish republicans, the IRA launched a bombing campaign targeting locations in London. Dolours and Marian Price, along with several other IRA members, were tasked with planting car bombs outside the Old Bailey courthouse in London. The ensuing explosions resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries, creating widespread shock and condemnation.
Shortly after the bombing, the Price sisters were apprehended and subsequently convicted of causing explosions and conspiracy to cause explosions. They were sentenced to life imprisonment, a harsh punishment that reflected the public outrage surrounding the attack.
Imprisoned in England, the Price sisters embarked on a hunger strike to demand repatriation to Northern Ireland. Their protest gained widespread attention, drawing support from human rights organizations and raising concerns about the treatment of republican prisoners. However, the British government refused to concede to their demands, leading to the controversial decision to force-feed the sisters.
The practice of force-feeding generated considerable ethical debate, with many condemning it as a violation of human rights and a form of torture. Despite the physical and psychological toll of the force-feeding, the Price sisters remained steadfast in their determination. Eventually, after more than two hundred days on hunger strike, they were transferred to a prison in Northern Ireland.
Later Life and Continued Activism
Following their release from prison, the Price sisters remained committed to Irish republicanism, although their paths diverged in some respects. Dolours Price became known for her outspoken criticism of the IRA’s leadership and tactics. In particular, her involvement in the Boston College Tapes project brought renewed scrutiny and controversy.
The Boston College Tapes, a series of interviews conducted with former IRA members, contained explosive allegations regarding the organization’s activities during the Troubles. Dolours Price made shocking claims, including allegations that she had been ordered to drive Jean McConville, a widowed mother of ten, to her death in nineteen seventy-two. These accusations sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for investigations into alleged IRA atrocities. However, the claims were heavily disputed and led to a fracturing of the Republican movement.
Marian Price, while maintaining her commitment to Irish republicanism, focused primarily on prisoner advocacy and political activism within republican circles. In twenty-eleven, she was arrested for a speech she delivered at a republican event, sparking further controversy and raising questions about freedom of speech.
Legacy and Impact
The Price sisters remain deeply polarizing figures in Irish society. To some, they are seen as courageous freedom fighters who fought against British oppression. They are remembered for their unwavering commitment to their beliefs and their willingness to endure immense personal sacrifice. In Republican circles, they are often viewed as icons of resistance.
However, to others, they are viewed as terrorists whose actions caused immense suffering and contributed to the cycle of violence that plagued Northern Ireland for decades. Victims of IRA violence and their families often express anger and resentment towards the Price sisters, viewing them as unrepentant perpetrators of violence.
The legacy of the Price sisters extends beyond their individual actions. Their story raises fundamental questions about the nature of political violence, the justification for armed struggle, and the long-term consequences of conflict. Their lives also highlight the challenges faced by women involved in paramilitary organizations, often relegated to secondary roles or subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism.
The Price sisters’ history and their involvement with the Irish Republican Army shaped the political landscape of Northern Ireland. Their story continues to impact media as the story of the troubles is retold with time.
Conclusion
The lives of Dolours and Marian Price were complex and contradictory, marked by unwavering conviction, controversial actions, and immense personal sacrifice. They were deeply shaped by the Troubles and, in turn, helped to shape the course of the conflict. Whether viewed as freedom fighters or terrorists, their story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political violence and the enduring legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Their legacy continues to be debated and re-evaluated, ensuring that their story remains a crucial part of the ongoing effort to understand and come to terms with the complexities of the past. The Price sisters involvement and legacy, both celebrated and condemned, remain firmly entrenched in the narrative of Ireland’s turbulent history.
