In 1984, the Conservative Party, lead by the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, gathered in the seaside town of Brighton for their annual conference. In the early hours of October 12th a bomb ripped through the Grand Hotel where Thatcher and several other conservative leaders were staying.

The following day the Provisional IRA would claim responsibility for the attack. This triggered one of the largest manhunts in history. While the plan was audacious, the police operation to catch the IRA team that planted the bomb was extraordinary.

In this episode I am joined by Guardian journalist and author Rory Carroll to discuss the bombing, the wider historical context and the man hunt that followed. Rory has recent published an excellent book on the Brighton Bombing called Killing Thatcher the IRA, the manhunt and the Long War Against the Crown.

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My upcoming book 'A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders' will be released on September 14th 2023.

Pre-Order at Easons today and get 10% off when you use the coupon code FD10 https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993

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You can get Rory's book Killing Thatcher: The IRA, the Manhunt and the Long War on the Crown

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.

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The Brighton Bombing - the attempt to kill Margaret Thatcher