The Good Friday Agreement

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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 part of it if and have their say in the ruling of Northern Ireland they rejected violence. Unlike the Power Sharing Executive, this effort did not fail but, similarly to the Anglo Irish Agreement, it was not effective enough to have a lasting influence.

The Good Friday Agreement, learning from the mistakes of the previous attempts at peace, would therefore have to have a large impact to have a lasting effect and also satisfy all groups in order to avoid upset which will result in retaliation, making the treaty ineffective. The Good Friday Agreement involved setting up a committee of 108 members, of which all key decisions would go through, requiring consent from both groups. A North-South council would also have been set up, consisting of ministers from the Republic. The Irish government would have to get rid of Articles 2 and 3 which claimed Northern Ireland to be part of Ireland. Finally, the policing in Northern Ireland would be reviewed and paramilitary prisoners were to be promised early release.

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Personally, I feel that the Good Friday Agreement was a success, more than it was a failure, therefore I am going to prove that it did solve long standing issues within the Northern Ireland Community.

Firstly, the Good Friday Agreement solved long standing issues over the ruling of Northern Ireland by introducing the Northern Ireland Assembly. This government was made up of well-respected politicians representing all beliefs. This ruling would not only give Northern Ireland a proper government which will help the country’s stability, but also it will help cease conflict because key decisions would be made, taking ...

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