The Good Friday Agreement

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view 4 essays on Northern Ireland 1965-85 that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

The Good Friday Agreement

Ireland has been subject to much conflict throughout its history, most of which has been caused by the tension between the Nationalists and Unionist, and the Protestants and Catholics, especially since 1969 when a series of riots broke out in response to the Battle of the Bogside. These quarrels have come to be known as the 'Troubles'.

Many attempts have been made to call a cease to the hostilities, such as the Power Sharing Executive. This scheme tried to release tension by undermining the IRA by offering a say in how Northern Ireland was run to Nationalist communities, but it failed after Unionist's suspicion arose over the scheme, resulting in strikes which brought a down-fall to Power Sharing.

Other attempts at peace involved the Anglo Irish Agreement, which, despite achieving its aim, had very little effect let alone lasting impact. As a result, relations did not improve and paramilitary violence continued.

Another effort took place in 1993, with the Downing Street Declaration. This involved a new government of Northern Ireland to be set up, made up of people representing all traditions and points of view, but they were only allowed to be