Since 1970 the Provisional IRA had been waging a campaign with the ultimate goal of a united Ireland. Although Manchester had been the target of IRA bombs before 1996, it had not been subjected to an attack on this scale; the biggest bomb detonated in Great Britain since World War II.The bombing was condemned by the British and Irish governments and US President Bill Clinton.Five days after the blast the IRA issued a statement in which it claimed responsibility, but regretted causing injury to civilians.he bombing was condemned by the British and Irish governments and US President Bill Clinton. Five days after the blast the IRA issued a statement in which it claimed responsibility, but regretted causing injury to civilians.