1998 Good Friday Agreement Flashcards
(28 cards)
What significant event occurred in the 1997 General election in Britain?
New Labour and Tony Blair came to power
Bertie Ahern also became Taoiseach of Ireland in the same year.
What did Tony Blair assure Sinn Fein regarding peace talks?
They could enter peace talks as long as the PIRA re-established a ceasefire.
When did the new IRA ceasefire occur?
20 July 1997.
What principles did Sinn Fein sign up to before entering talks?
The Mitchell Principles of non-violence.
Who was instrumental in convincing Loyalist paramilitaries to remain in negotiations?
Mo Mowlam.
What role did Bill Clinton play in the negotiations?
His visit to Belfast helped to broker a deal.
When was the Good Friday Agreement announced?
10 April 1998.
What was the composition of the Northern Ireland Assembly established by the Agreement?
108 member assembly elected by Proportional Representation.
What was required for ‘key decisions’ in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
Both nationalist and unionist majority support.
What was the purpose of the North-South Ministerial Council?
Responsible for cross-border cooperation in areas such as health, tourism, and trade.
What would happen to Articles 2 and 3 of the Republic’s constitution?
They would be removed.
What provisions were made regarding paramilitary prisoners?
They would be released.
What was established regarding the decommissioning of weapons?
Decommissioning of weapons would occur.
What new body was to be set up according to the Agreement?
An independent commission on policing.
How did unionism react to the Good Friday Agreement?
Unionism was split in its reaction.
Which unionist parties opposed the Agreement?
- DUP
- UKUP
- UUP (with some members opposing)
What did Ian Paisley claim about the negotiations?
He described them as a front for a conspiracy to demolish Protestantism in Europe.
What campaign did unionists opposed to the Agreement establish?
The United Unionist Campaign.
How did the SDLP view the Good Friday Agreement?
As one that created institutions respecting diversity and allowing for common ground.
What did Sinn Fein advise its supporters to do regarding the Agreement?
To back the agreement.
What change did Sinn Fein make at its Ard Fheis?
Changed its constitution to allow members to take their seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
What percentage of voters supported the Agreement in the May 22, 1998 referendum?
71%.
What was the level of support for the Agreement in the Irish Republic?
94% in favor.
When were elections for the new assembly held?
June 1998.
