The people of Ireland also helped with the development of peace among members of paramilitaries and supporters of paramilitaries. There was also influence by the USA president Clinton, as a foreign policy would divert eyes from his sex scandal. The secret talks by the British Government and the IRA and also talks between the Republic and Sinn Fein. This lead to the Downing Street Declaration of 1993 stating the two parties of Ireland could bring about a United Ireland if they so wished. There was a ceasefire by the IRA shortly afterwards but still disagreements about decommissioning, this just lead to more violence, such as Canary Warf.
In 1998, Unionists and Nationalists within the British and Irish Governments signed The Good Friday Agreement. There was a rule to set up a new parliament in Northern Ireland and a North-South Council to discuss problems affecting the whole of Ireland. The Irish Republic would also no longer claim Northern Ireland, as part of its country and police in Northern Ireland would be changed to reduce Unionist control. People in prison for the involvement of terrorism were released and paramilitary groups such as the IRA would finally decommission their weapons. Both Protestant and Catholic groups had parts of the agreement they wanted but the Nationalist community had the most people in favour of the agreement.
Even though this rule to have made Ireland much more peaceful it did not due to failures of some part of the Agreement. The lack of trust between both sides resulted in continued direct rule from Britain and the failure of the Assembly to work. The IRA was still reluctant to give up all of their weapons this lead the Unionists to lose more trust. Marching at Drumcree by Loyalist Orange Order members lead to violence on both sides, and concern about the freed terrorists. The RUC is still unpopular as it is thought to be biased to Protestants. There is also the violence of hardliners like Omagh, Holy Cross and punishment beatings. The recent pub murder of Robert McCartney by the IRA who slit his throat, then attempted to cover up their involvement.
Still there are many concerns that need to be overcome if peace is to succeed. The concern weather Northern Ireland should become independent or part of the UK. There are also many issues concerning trust and historic differences between the two sides. Both have done things to each other resulting in the lack of trust today. There is also the issue of violence and whether decommissioning will take place. There is also religious bigotry between the two groups, which makes it hard for the two groups to talk to each other like the Protestants don’t want a United Ireland as they feel they will be under the Catholics church control.
Even though there are these concerns both groups have taken steps to restore peace and end violence. Both the British Government and the Eire Government have worked together to try to bring both rival communities together, lately however recent electrons results have place Ian Paisleys Democratic Unionist Party in a stronger position. This is not so good as the DUP does not trust Sinn Fein or the IRA.
To conclude if peace is to occur between the two groups both have got to start trusting each other and not to hold prejudice against what has happen before. Most Protestants at the moment are to angry with the Catholics and are worried if the Catholic Church gains control. Catholics to are angry with the protestant rebels and the years of them being treated like 2nd class citizens. Also actions of groups such as the IRA and its reluctance to give up weapons. Both governments are also good in theory but both have different views on the future of Ireland. If peace is to succeed in Ireland both are going to have to work together for a compromise.