became Taoiseach, Gibbons was dropped from his ministerial office. During a later leadership contest, Gibbons was assaulted in Dáil Éireann by Haughey supporters in retaliation for his testimony at the Arms Trial. The events came to be one of the defining periods of Lynch's term as leader, during which there were several crises. Lynch supporters saw him as exhibiting strength in facing down the rebel ministers and his detractors saw it as an illustration of his weakness on the national question and procrastination in the face of difficult decisions. As state papers relating to the period were released after 1995, further light was shed on the events, questioning the outcome. Much remains unknown about the truthfulness of the various personalities involved, and what exactly each knew, and when they came to know it. The diaries of Peter Berry, Secretary of the Department of Justice, published in Magill magazine, claimed that Lynch had not been forthright publicly. Documents released through the Freedom of Information Act 30 years later showed that the state had altered statements by Colonel Hefferon to suppress the fact that he and Captain Kelly had kept Gibbons informed. This caused the then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to publicly state that Captain Kelly had done nothing wrong. See also Exercise Armageddon References Sources Primary Dáil debates: Announcement of dismissals (1970 Vol.246 cc.518–9; 641–724): 3 May 7 May p.4 7 May p.6 8 May Confidence motion after the dismissals (1970 Vol.246 cc.1394–1766): 13 May and 14 May Questions on arms importation (1970 Vol.246 cc.1586–97) 14 May Confidence motion after the trial (1970 Vol.249 cc.176–728): 29 Oct 30 Oct 3 Nov4 Nov p.49 4 Nov p.52 Motion for report into the Grant-in-Aid for Northern Ireland Relief (1970 Vol.250 cc.45–100) 1 Dec Motion of censure of Jim Gibbons (1971 Vol.256 cc.1473–1766): 9 Nov 10 Nov Statements on 2001 report (2001 Vol.540 cc.1046–63) 6 Jul Seanad debates: Motion on 2001 report (2001 Vol.166 cc.653–687) 2 May Secondary Kelly, Stephen, 'A failed political entity': Charles Haughey and the Northern Ireland question, 1945-1992 (Kildare: Merrion Press, 2016). Citations External links Northern Ireland Relief Expenditure Inquiry 1971 - 1972 Oireachtas 1970 in Ireland Arms trafficking Charles Haughey History of the Republic of Ireland Political scandals in the Republic of Ireland Provisional Irish Republican Army