Northern Ireland And The Good Friday Agreement - Blair & New Labour Flashcards
What was the political climate like in Northern Ireland when Blair became prime minister?
When did talks begin?
Blair inherited a great political opportunity in northern Ireland in 1997 as major had made progress towards peace.
In 1996 John Hume, the leader of the Social Democratic Labour Party persuaded Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein that a negotiation settlement was possible.
Who was George Mitchel? How did he contribute towards peace?
He was the former US senator
He was a trusted figure among both the unionist and the republicans
How did Blair contribute towards peace?
He developed a close relationship with Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern - allowing him to gain support of the republicans
Blair was believed to be personally committed and invested in the troubles
He also reassured David Trimble that and the Ulster Unionist that Sinn Fein could be trusted
Who was Mo Mowlam?
How did she contribute to peace?
The labour Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
She kept paramilitaries on board by visiting them in the Maze prison
When was the good Friday agreement signed?
1988
What was the St Andrews agreement?
When was it signed?
Signed 2002
Disagreements arose over the early releasing of convicted terrorists and on whether the Protestant Orange Order could march along traditional routes - the St Andrews agreement reasserted the message of the Good Friday agreement
Until it was signed in 2002 the devolved institutions were suspended
