Sunningdale agreement Flashcards
(8 cards)
What was the Sunningdale Agreement (1973)?
A power-sharing arrangement in Northern Ireland negotiated by Whitelaw and Heath with the SDLP, Alliance Party, and UUP.
Which political parties were involved in negotiating the Sunningdale Agreement?
SDLP (nationalist), Alliance Party (moderate unionist), and UUP (unionist).
What were the three key components of the Sunningdale Agreement?
Power-sharing Executive with both nationalists and unionists.
A Northern Ireland Assembly elected by proportional representation.
A Council of Ireland with input from the Republic of Ireland.
Why was proportional representation significant in the Sunningdale Agreement?
It helped prevent gerrymandering and ensured fairer representation for all communities.
What was the short-term result of the Sunningdale Agreement?
It was a political success and initially created hope for peace and cooperation.
When and why did the Sunningdale Agreement collapse?
Collapsed in May 1974 due to:
A general strike that diverted attention
Opposition from extremists on both sides
UUP pulling out in January 1974.
What impact did UUP’s withdrawal have on the Sunningdale Agreement?
It undermined the agreement and weakened Conservative support in Westminster, contributing to Heath’s downfall.
How did the Council of Ireland proposed in Sunningdale threaten unionists?
It gave a role to the Republic of Ireland, which many unionists viewed as a step toward Irish unification.
