The name given to a number of attempts by Ian Paisley, then leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), to create a 'defensive militia'. The best known example was the 'thrid force' rallies on 1 April 1981. At a number of these rallies large groups of men displayed firearms certificates. Rallies were held on hillsides near Gortin, Newry, and Armagh. At Gortin the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was attacked and two vehicles overturned. On 3 December 1981 Ian Paisley said that the Third Force had between 15,000 to 20,000 members.
Third Force
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