Membership of The Official IRA
Bunting joined the Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA) in around 1970 - being attracted to their left wing and secular interpretation of Irish republicanism and believing in the necessity of armed revolution to overthrow Northern Ireland. The other wing of the IRA - the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) was seen by some to be more Catholic and nationalist in its outlook. At this time, the communal conflict known as the Troubles was beginning and the Official IRA were involved in shootings and bombings. Bunting was interned in 1971 and held in Long Kesh. He was one of only two Protestants interned out of 350 initial detainees. Bunting was later released in 1973.
Read more about this topic: Ronnie Bunting
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