Do sources H and I support Reverend Ian Paisleys view of the Civil Rights Movement given in Source G? In a television interview Ian Paisley states his views plainly.

Source I gives clear information on the Civil Rights Association and the personal that supported it. The report was produced for the British Government in the 1970's, and so perhaps we should treat the contents as factually accurate. The report states that 'membership was politically varied and undoubtedly included persons of extreme Republican views and activities'. This corresponds with Ian Paisley's view to an extent. But the report also states that other political groups were involved in the movement. Surly not all of these political groups were 'dedicated to the views and objectives' of the IRA. Further in the report it concludes that the 'IRA has taken a close interest in the Civil Rights Movement from the beginning'. This strongly agrees with Ian Paisleys assertion on the IRA's involvement with the movement.

In source H we have evidence from Michael Farrell, who was actually a member of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. He admits that 'Republicans' were members 'but they never dominated it'. However he goes on to say of the Republicans that 'they were never in control, at least not to later on'. This statement does rather back up Ian Paisley's views on the Civil Rights Movement. Although Michael Farrell does not say that the Republicans were extreme or supported all of the views and objectives of the IRA.

Ian Paisley's views are partially confirmed in both sources but clearly do not support his argument fully. In my opinion Source I backs up Ian Paisley's view more convincingly as this Government report confirms that people of 'extreme Republican views' were members. Whereas source H, although stating that Republicans were involved, does not confirm that they held extreme views. I can only conclude that sources H and I partly support Ian Paisleys views but more detailed evidence is needed to confirm more fully.