The IRA were called "terrorist" by the UK Government at the time. They had the "Prevention of Terrorism Acts"[1], and the then head of Government (Thatcher), sa

The IRA were called "terrorist" by the UK Government at the time. They had the "Prevention of Terrorism Acts"[1], and the then head of Government (Thatcher), said they wouldn't negotiate with terrorists. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevention_of_Terrorism_Acts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevention_of_Terrorism_Acts