Introduction
The names Dolours and Marian Price resonate deeply within the history of Irish Republicanism. These sisters, both intelligent and fiercely committed, became central figures in the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the tumultuous years of the Troubles. Their story is not just one of activism, but also of intense imprisonment, hunger strikes, and enduring conviction. This article delves into their lives, exploring their journey from youthful idealists to hardened paramilitaries, the consequences they faced for their actions, and the complex legacy they left behind.
Early Years and Rise of Radical Beliefs
Dolours and Marian Price were born and raised in Belfast, a city deeply divided along sectarian lines. Their family had a long history of involvement in Irish Republicanism, with their aunt, Mamie Price, having been imprisoned for IRA activities. This environment steeped in Republican ideology shaped their worldview from a young age. They witnessed firsthand the discrimination and injustices faced by the Catholic/Nationalist community, fueling a growing sense of resentment towards British rule and the perceived oppression of their people. The events of the late sixties, particularly the escalating violence and the perceived inadequacy of the existing political structures, pushed them further towards radicalization. The rise of the Civil Rights movement, initially focused on peaceful protest, ultimately gave way to a resurgence of armed Republicanism, and the Price sisters found themselves drawn into this current.
Joining the Provisional IRA
Driven by a desire for a united Ireland and a belief in armed struggle as a legitimate means of achieving it, Dolours and Marian joined the Provisional IRA in the early seventies. They quickly became active members, participating in various operations and demonstrating a willingness to take on dangerous roles. Dolours, in particular, was known for her intelligence and leadership abilities, rising through the ranks to become a key figure within the organization. While the exact nature of their activities remains shrouded in secrecy due to the clandestine nature of the IRA, it is known that they were involved in intelligence gathering, bomb making, and the transportation of explosives. They believed that violence was necessary to break the stalemate and force the British government to negotiate a withdrawal from Northern Ireland.
The London Bombing and its Aftermath
The Price sisters’ involvement in the IRA reached a turning point in 1973 when they participated in a bombing campaign in London. Along with other members of the IRA, they planted bombs at various locations in the city, including the Old Bailey and Whitehall. The attacks caused significant damage and resulted in injuries, though thankfully no fatalities. Their actions led to their arrest and subsequent trial. The trial was a high-profile event, attracting significant media attention and further polarizing public opinion on the conflict in Northern Ireland. They were convicted of conspiracy and causing explosions and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Imprisonment, Hunger Strikes, and Force-Feeding
Their imprisonment marked the beginning of a long and arduous struggle against the British prison system. They immediately demanded political status, arguing that they were prisoners of war and should not be treated as common criminals. When their demands were refused, they, along with other Republican prisoners, embarked on a hunger strike. The hunger strike was a desperate measure aimed at drawing attention to their cause and pressuring the government to concede to their demands. As their health deteriorated, the British authorities made the controversial decision to force-feed them.
The force-feeding of Dolours and Marian Price sparked widespread outrage and condemnation both in Ireland and internationally. It was seen as a violation of their human rights and a cruel and inhumane practice. The procedure involved restraining the prisoners and inserting a tube through their nose or mouth into their stomach, through which liquid food was administered. The process was painful, degrading, and carried significant health risks. Despite the immense suffering they endured, the Price sisters remained defiant, refusing to give up their demands.
Ethical Considerations of Force-Feeding
The force-feeding of political prisoners raises profound ethical questions. Opponents argue that it violates the right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. They argue that individuals have the right to decide what happens to their own bodies, even if those decisions may lead to their death. Proponents of force-feeding, on the other hand, argue that the state has a responsibility to preserve life, even against the individual’s wishes. They argue that hunger strikes are often motivated by political or ideological considerations and that the state is justified in intervening to prevent the prisoner from becoming a martyr for their cause. The issue remains highly contentious and continues to be debated by ethicists, legal scholars, and human rights activists.
Life After Prison and Continuing Activism
After serving several years in prison, Dolours and Marian Price were eventually released on compassionate grounds due to their deteriorating health. However, their release did not mark the end of their involvement in Republicanism. While they both struggled with the physical and psychological scars of their imprisonment, they remained committed to their ideals. Dolours, in particular, became a vocal critic of the peace process and the direction of Sinn Féin, arguing that they had abandoned core Republican principles. Marian remained active in Republican circles, advocating for the rights of political prisoners and continuing to campaign for a united Ireland.
Dolours Price’s Death and Lasting Impact
Dolours Price died in 2013 at the age of sixty-one. Her death was met with a mixture of grief and controversy. Some hailed her as a Republican icon, while others condemned her for her involvement in violence. Her passing sparked renewed debate about her role in the Troubles and the legacy of Irish Republicanism. She left behind a complex and contradictory legacy, one that continues to be debated and reinterpreted. Her willingness to speak out against the established narrative, even when it was unpopular, made her a controversial figure, but it also earned her the respect of some within the Republican community.
Marian Price’s Enduring Advocacy
Marian Price continued to be a vocal advocate for Republican causes until her own death in 2023. She remained steadfast in her belief in a united Ireland and continued to criticize the political establishment for its perceived betrayal of Republican ideals. She dedicated much of her later life to supporting political prisoners and campaigning for their release. Her unwavering commitment to her principles, even in the face of adversity, made her a symbol of resistance for some within the Republican movement.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
The story of Dolours and Marian Price is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with contradictions and moral ambiguities. They were driven by a deep-seated belief in Irish unity and a desire to end what they saw as British oppression. Their actions, however, had devastating consequences, both for themselves and for others. Their imprisonment and the force-feeding they endured highlight the brutal realities of political conflict and the lengths to which states will go to suppress dissent. Their lives serve as a reminder of the enduring power of ideology and the human capacity for both great courage and great violence. The legacy of Dolours and Marian Price remains a subject of intense debate, forcing us to confront difficult questions about the nature of political violence, the ethics of imprisonment, and the enduring legacy of the Troubles.
