Backlash after O’Neill says there was ‘no alternative’ to conflict during Troubles

Northern Ireland's first minister designate under fire over comments suggesting IRA armed campaign justified

Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's first minister designate, has sparked a backlash in Northern Ireland for saying there was no alternative" to the IRA's armed campaign during the Troubles.

O'Neill suggested the Irish Republican Army, which killed about half of the 3,600 people killed during the 30-year conflict, had no choice but to shoot and bomb until the 1998 Good Friday agreement.