Northern Ireland has come far since 1984 partition plan

Description

One of the more intriguing disclosures brought about by the 30-year release of UK state papers last week was a 1984 proposal to re-partition Northern Ireland. The plan found its way to the desk of then prime minister Margaret Thatcher as a briefing paper drafted by civil servants. The proposal laid out a formula to end the conflict in the region, which by then was in its 15th year.