Northern Ireland: The Downing Street Declaration, 1993 Flashcards
Who was involved in the late 1980s secret talks
SDLP leader John Hume and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams
How long did the Secret Talks last
8 Months
when did the Secret Talks become public knowledge
April 1993
What was the Sinn Fein policy Towards a Lasting Peace.
Focused on self-determination rather than armed struggle and argued Britain should persuade unionists to join a united Ireland
Why did Sinn Fein argue that Britain should persuade unionists to join a United Ireland
November 1990, NI secretary of State Peter Brooke stated Britain had no selfish strategic or economic interest in remaining in NI.
Brooke approved establishment of a private line of communication with republican ledership
What progress were made through the Secret Talks
Agreed any settlement of the NI question would have to involve “Three Strands”:
Intercommunity Relations - between unionists and nationalist communities in NI
North- South co-operation - Between NI and Republic of Ireland.
Intergovernmental negotiations - Between British government in London and the Irish government in Dublin
When did the secret talks
Mid-1991 the talks collapsed.
How did Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein contribute to the initial progress of the talks
Sinn Fein published towards a lasting peace which focused on self-determination rather than armed struggle. Thought Britain should try to persuade unionists of the benefits of a united Ireland
How did John Hume and the SDLP contribute to the initial progress of the talks
Held secret talks with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.
Received huge criticism from other politicians, including those within his party, for negotiating with Gerry Adams. Those who criticised Hume felt that Adams couldn’t be trusted. However, John Hume felt it was only realistic way to achieve peace.
How did Secretary of State Peter Brooke contribute to the initial progress of the talks
Tried to open talks with the other constitutional political parties.
Also stated that Britain had no selfish, strategic or economic interest in remaining in NI.
Gave hope to Nationalists that unification could be achieved peacefully.
When did Hume-Adam talks restart?
Early 1990s
What did the Hume-Adams led to
Sinn Fein accepting need for unionist consent about NI future
When did the Downing Street Declaration get produced
December 1993
What did the Downing Street Declaration include
London agreed to uphold the democratic wish of a greater number of the people of NI on the issue of whether they wish to support the union or establish a sovereign United Ireland
Dublin accepted that a United Ireland had to have majority consent within NI. It also accepted that parts of the 1937 Constitution were unacceptable to unionists and agreed - in the context of an overall settlement - to change that document
What was the Sinn Fein response to the Downing Street Declaration
Stated that while it was glad to see Britain accepting self-determination, the Declaration still allowed unionists a veto over its exercise
What the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) reaction to the Downing Street Declaration
Comforted by parts of Declaration - however it was unhappy with what it thought was its bias toward Irish nationalism or as they termed it, its green tinge.
What was the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) reaction to the Downing Street Declaration
Which saw the Declaration as yet another step towards a united Ireland
what led to the 1994 Ceasefire?
Downing Street Declaration said that the possibility of unification would be based on self determination. This increased SF willingness to enter peaceful talks.
Adams/Hume talks had precipitated the Downing Street Declaration
Also willingness from British government to negotiate
How was the 1994 Ceasefire supported and by whom
US President Bill Clinton showed support for process by allowing Adams to enter the USA
Taoiseach Albert Reynolds publicly shook Gerry Adams’ hand and Forum for Peace and Reconciliation was established that would be attended by all Irish Parties
Why was the 1994 Ceasefire put under strain?
Dublin government changed new leader, John Bruton, was not sympathetic to Irish republicanism.
Some IRA members didn’t agree with the ceasefire and may continue violence
British Government wanted the IRA to use term, permanent with regard to the ceasefire.
Time was also required.
People needed to see if IRA deeds would match their words.
When was the Framework Documents published
February 1995
What were included in the new Framework Documents
90 strong assembly that would exercise powers similar to its 1974 power-sharing predecessor
New framework for agreement, was produced jointly by London and Dublin
Based around principles of self-determination, consent, non-violence an parity of esteem.
What were the framework documents
Document aimed to provide a framework for progressing peace process
Framework for accountable government in NI outlined British proposals for new political institutions
Reactions to the framework documents from Unionists
too many similarities with Sunningdale agreement and opposed development of North-south links. Not long afterwards UUP leader James Molyneaux resigned to be replaced by Dave Trimble
