25 Years of Good Friday Agreement

April 12, 2023

The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, is a historic peace agreement that ended the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as “The Troubles.” The agreement was signed on April 10, 1998, by the British and Irish governments, along with political parties in Northern Ireland. The aim of the agreement was to establish a power-sharing government and bring an end to the decades-long conflict that had claimed more than 3,500 lives.

The Division in Northern Ireland

The division in Northern Ireland was primarily between Unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK, and nationalists, who wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland. The conflict was fueled by deep-rooted political, social, and religious differences. Armed groups such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) used violence to advance their agendas, leading to a cycle of violence that lasted almost 30 years.

Negotiators of the Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement was negotiated by political leaders from various factions, including Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern, and George Mitchell. The agreement addressed key issues such as power-sharing, policing, justice, and human rights. It also established the Northern Ireland Assembly, a devolved legislature with powers to make decisions on issues such as education, health, and the environment.

Approval of the Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement was put to a referendum on May 22, 1998. It gained the approval of 94% of voters in Ireland and 71% in Northern Ireland. The overwhelming support for the agreement demonstrated a desire for peace and a willingness to move away from the cycle of violence.

Current Status of the Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement continues to be in place, but issues have emerged due to Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol. The protocol is a plan agreed upon by the UK and the EU to check goods arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK to ensure they follow EU rules. The nationalist Sinn Féin party supports the protocol, while the Unionist party Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) opposes it. The DUP sees the protocol as a threat to the union as it distinguishes Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

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