1973 in Northern Ireland
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Events during the year 1973 in Northern Ireland.
Events
- 8 March – Northern Ireland sovereignty referendum (the "Border Poll"): 98.9% of those voting in the province want Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. Turnout is 58.7%, although less than 1% for Catholics.[1]
- 20 March – A UK government White Paper on Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Constitutional Proposals, proposes the re-establishment of an Assembly elected by proportional representation, with a possible All-Ireland council.
- 2 April – Special Powers Act 1922 is replaced by the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act[2] abolishing the death penalty for murder in Northern Ireland and establishing the Diplock courts.
- 28 June – Northern Ireland Assembly election.[2]
- 18 July – The office of Governor of Northern Ireland, at this time held by The Lord Grey of Naunton, is abolished under Section 32 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act.[3] The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, a UK cabinet office created in 1972, takes over the functions of the Governor on 20 December 1973 under Letters patent.
- 31 July – Militant protesters of Ian Paisley disrupt the first sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
- 28 August (12:01 AM) – A Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb blows up the monument to the Rev. George Walker (died 1690) on Derry city walls.[4]
- 1 November – James Flanagan, first and only Roman Catholic Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, replaces Graham Shillington.
- 9 December – The Sunningdale Agreement is signed by British Prime Minister Edward Heath, Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, Brian Faulkner, Gerry Fitt and Oliver Napier.
Sport
Births
- 26 January – Brendan Rodgers, footballer and manager.
- 2 March – Peter Hutton, footballer.
- 17 March – David McCann, professional road bicycle racer.
- 16 July – Juliet Turner, singer.
- 20 August – Stephen Nolan, radio and television presenter.
- 12 November – Chris Walker, footballer.
Full date unknown
- Philip McGuigan, Sinn Féin councillor and former MLA.