Using archival sources, including the papers of one of the Provisional IRA's Army Council, The First Northern Ireland Peace Process examines the attempt from 1972-76 to end the 'Troubles'. It also answers why this process failed. With parallels to the later Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments negotiated a power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland and an 'Irish Dimension'. The book examines this administration and also explores the secret talks, brokered by MI6, to persuade the Provisional IRA to end its armed struggle and enter into the political process.