After 30 years of internationally recognised conflict, and decades of sectarian warfare that spanned the twentieth century, peace was brought to Northern Ireland in 1998. The Good Friday Agreement was signed into law by Irish and Northern Irish leaders following referendums in both states. A simplified spark for the violence lies in the fact that the province of Ulster was the sole area of the island of Ireland that was subjected to a successful long-term colonisation process, resulting in the two distinct Northern Irish communities that we are familiar with today: those with Anglo-Saxon heritage, and those who are descendants of the native Irish population.
The most important policies in the agreement refer to the status of Northern Ireland in terms of its future relationship with the Republic, as well as recognising the right of its citizens to identify as either Irish or British. Interestingly, the agreement also acknowledges the potential for a united Irish state in the future, which it details may only come about through popular vote, and that the civil rights of all its citizens must remain respected. As a further effect of this policy, however, the territorial claim of the Republic to the entire island was removed from its constitution.
Not only was a ceasefire agreed upon by the political parties who signed The Good Friday Agreement, but they also committed to the decommissioning of weapons, resulting in police reform and some sense of normalcy in Northern Ireland. The fear that has emerged surrounding the future of Northern Ireland’s border is entirely justified, as Brexit continuously threatens to undermine The Good Friday Agreement and impose a physical border upon the island of Ireland. The agreement must be protected in the face of Brexit proceedings.
Written by Alex Mulhare
Artwork by Zara Masood
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