Changing Relations Flashcards
Why did the Republic of Ireland support the new Ireland Forum?
They wanted to improve relations with the UK government which had deteriorated after the hunger strikes.
They felt that by working closely with London, they could reduce the support for the republican movement
Why was the Anglo-Irish agreement of 1985 signed?
British government and nationalists were worried about the rise of Sinn Fein.
Margaret Thatcher wanted security especially following an attempt by the IRA to blow her up in 1984.
FitzGerald (Taoiseach) wanted to reduce support for the IRA
What was the difference between the Anglo-Irish agreement and previous attempts to bring peace?
The Anglo-Irish agreement did not have an assembly or an executive which could be pulled down
What were the terms of the Anglo-Irish agreement?
Established an intergovernmental conference (British and Irish governments working together to give the Irish a say in the future of NI).
A permanent secretariat (civil servants working with the Irish civil servants).
Devolution would only occur if there was agreement on the sharing of power.
Overall, what did the agreement recognise?
That the R.O.I had a role to play in the government of the North and the Republic accepted that a united ireland was a long-term goal only if the majority agreed
What were the reactions to the agreement?
Unionists felt abandoned by their own government and felt that the agreement would lead to a united Ireland while Nationalists such as the SDLP supported it. However, Sinn Fein condemned it as it made the division of Ireland more permanent as it recognised NI
What did government parties think of it?
Republic - Fine Gael and Labour supported it while Fianna Fail opposed it.
Britain - the agreement had full cross-party support but Ian Hrwo claimed it was won by violence and would make the situation worse.
Unionist - decided to stop co-operating with the British government. They held a campaign of opposition called Dublin Diktat.
What were some of the unionist tactics during their campaign of opposition?
They arranged rallies such as one at Belfast city hall 23rd Nov.
All 15 Unionist MP’s resigned from Westminster and stood again in by-elections to show opposition.
Ulster Resistance formed which was a paramilitary organisation with the aim to destroy the agreement.
Loyalist violence against the RUC increased
Did the Unionists campaign work?
The tactics failed to have any impact on the government and by Sep 1987 Unionist leaders agreed to talk with British ministers again
