History GCSE Flashcards
What is the Downing Street Declaration?
• British and Irish government’s did not accept the Humes-Adam’s statement as a confirmation of peace and so in December 1993 they produced the Downing Street Declaration.
• Britain will uphold the democratic will of the majority of NI regarding the country’s constitutional position.
• Britain reaffirmed it had no ‘selfish interest’ in Northern Ireland.
• Dublin agreed that aspects of its constitution were unacceptable to Unionists and so agreed to change these sections.
Responses to the Downing Street
Declaration
• Sinn Fein: happy that British government will consider a united Ireland.
• Unionists were cautious; ‘green tinge’ of the declaration and were concerned that the Republic could decline to change it’s constitution.
• Many felt aspects were too vague.
What is the ceasefire
As a result, on 31st august 1994 the IRA declared a ceasefire – a huge step towards the long sought after peace in Northern Ireland.
• PIRA then released a statement, saying that Sinn Fein must be involved in peace talks, but the British government released a statement that Sinn Fein would not be invited to the talks unless the IRA announced a permanent ceasefire.
• Sinn Fein argued that the ceasefire itself combined with their electoral support should be enough.
What were the obstacles to peace
• Holding elections to a Peace Forum created through the Mitchell Commission. This was also seen as a stalling tactic by many nationalists.
• End of the PIRA ceasefire in February 1996 when a bomb exploded at Canary Wharf in London: blamed the British government.
• Unionists supported the peace forum plan and despite initial opposition, SF and SDLP also put forward candidates.
• Election showed increased support for SF and DUP.
What was the collapse of the ceasefire
• The stability of the peace talks was threatened by the British government’s continual refusal to have face-to-face talks with republicans; the British government were unhappy with the PIRA’s refusal to engage in decommissioning.
• The PIRA then began planning to break away from SF and return to military operations.
• At the same time the Mitchell Commission was established by the British government to look into solutions to the decommissioning issue. It stated eventually that all parties would have to commit to the principles of non-violence to demonstrate their commitment to peace.
What were the frameworks:February 1995
• Aim: taking the peace process forward in a way that creates a comprehensive settlement that allows for the full return on power and authority to NI.
• Framework for Accountable Government in Northern Ireland: proposals for new political institutions in Northern Ireland. This included 90 representatives, power-sharing and mechanisms to protect the Nationalist minority.
• A New Framework for Agreement: Produced by Dublin and London and based around self-determination, consent and non-violence. This also included plans for a Northern Ireland – Republic of Ireland body to foster co-operation.
