The Troubles - A Secret History

The second programme in the series uncovers new revelations about how the IRA went from anticipating victory to fighting a long, bloody war against Britain, with Gerry Adams emerging as the Republican leader of his time.

Darragh MacIntyre finds the IRA anticipating that 1972 would be their 'year of victory’, only to be countered by a massive British military response in the midst of what became the bloodiest period of the conflict.

The programme features new discoveries around secret talks between the government and the IRA about British withdrawal - but was it a serious offer, or a ruse to weaken the IRA by dragging them into protracted negotiations?

The programme features previously unseen footage, as well as interviews with people inside the secret talks. One insider’s secret diary provides a fresh insight into a missed opportunity for peace. Then, as sectarian fighting with Protestant loyalists began to increase, a coup inside the IRA set the stage for what they called the long war.

Produced by BBC Northern Ireland’s award-winning Spotlight team of investigative journalists and presented by Mandy McAuley, Jennifer O’Leary and Darragh MacIntyre. It is broadcast simultaneously on BBC One NI and BBC Four.

Pictured: BBC Spotlight reporters Jennifer O'Leary Darragh MacIntyre and Mandy McAuley

Publicity contact: MD