Northern Irish Politics Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is a Customs Union?
A trade bloc with a free trade area and a common external tariff.
What defines a Single Market?
A trade bloc with regulatory alignment and non-tariff barriers to trade removed.
What is a ‘Soft’ Brexit?
Leaving the EU whilst retaining a close relationship, such as remaining part of the single market or customs union.
What characterizes a ‘Hard’ Brexit?
Leaving the EU and no longer being part of the single market or customs union.
What is a ‘No Deal’ Brexit?
Leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
What was the Good Friday Agreement?
The 1998 agreement that ended most of the violence in Northern Ireland.
What percentage of voters supported the Good Friday Agreement in the Republic of Ireland?
94%.
What was the percentage of support for the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland?
71%.
What central issues were addressed in the Good Friday Agreement?
- Sovereignty
- Governance
- Discrimination
- Military and paramilitary groups
- Justice and policing
When was Sinn Fein founded?
In 1905.
What was Sinn Fein’s original goal?
To push for ‘home rule’ when Ireland was wholly part of the British Empire.
What significant role did Sinn Fein play during the Troubles?
It was seen as the political wing of the IRA.
Who were the key leaders of Sinn Fein during the Northern Ireland Peace Process?
- Gerry Adams
- Martin McGuinness
What is Sinn Fein’s main ideological stance?
A populist-socialist party aiming for a united Ireland.
What stance does Sinn Fein take on the Irish language?
They believe in bilingualism, wanting the Irish language to have the same status as the Welsh language in Wales.
What are some social issues Sinn Fein has campaigned for?
- Legalization of same-sex marriage
- Ban on conversion therapy
What is the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)?
A loyalist and unionist party founded in 1973.
What is the DUP’s position on power-sharing with Irish republicans?
They opposed any power-sharing.
What significant agreement did the DUP eventually agree to?
Power-sharing under the Good Friday Agreement.
What is the DUP’s ideological stance?
- Unionist
- Populist
- Euro-sceptic
- Pro hard Brexit
What year was the Maastricht Treaty signed?
1992.
What was established by the Maastricht Treaty?
- Clear rules for the future single currency
- Foreign and security policy
- Closer cooperation in justice and home affairs
What was significant about the year 1973 in relation to the EU?
UK, Denmark, and Ireland joined the EEC.
What occurred on 31st January 2020?
The UK officially left the EU.
