The peace process in Ireland

Past and the present

By Lisa Roulston
Courier Staff

Northern Ireland 's population is divided into two religious sectors: Protestant (55%) and Catholic (45%), with the Northern Ireland lying at the core of a political conflict, which has been known internationally since the sixteenth century.

Since the island of Ireland was separated in 1921, Northern Ireland united with Britain and the southern twenty-six counties remained independent. As a result, two independent government institutions have been created.

The history of the troubles faced by Northern Ireland is complicated. However, in order to gain a basic understanding of the actions that transformed the country into the one it is today, below are the main historical events that changed the hearts and minds of many.

The Past

Throughout the 1960's civil rights movement, politics spilled onto the streets of Northern Ireland . Protestors campaigned on both sides for cultural recognition and political power. The British Army was deployed to Northern Ireland to restrain the movement and restore order. The introduction of the army into Northern Ireland gave birth to one of the most famous paramilitary groups known as, the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

In 1990, Sir Peter Brooke, secretary ofstate for Northern Ireland , contacted the IRA in secret in order to encourage the start of the peace process, calling for the IRA to ceasefire. These talks brought both governments together on the December 15, 1993 when the British and Irish government published the Downing Street Declaration, stating the right for the North and South of Ireland to exercise their right of self-determination.

On the April 10, 1998, The Belfast Agreement was signed. Bill Clinton, president of the United States , provided political support encouraging the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom to improve relations between the political parties and the cross community constituencies. This 65 page document outlined the future in which Northern Ireland conducted itself, including institutional arrangements and relationships with the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom .

Then on August 15, 1998, four months after the historic Belfast Agreement was signed, a bomb exploded in a busy shopping street in Omagh, killing 29 people. This explosion shocked the world and many thought it would be the end of the peace process. Northern Ireland was now more determined to create a land of peace, where people could live in harmony with each other. The Real IRA, a paramilitary organization which derived from the IRA, claimed responsibility and apologized for the casualties, stating their aim was a commercial target. On August 18, they suspended their military operations. This is one of the most significant moments in the history of Northern Ireland and since then, each community tries to interact and works together to live in peace.

The Present

Northern Ireland has walked a long political pathway, which is still cluttered in many ways. However, each problem is undertaken and clarified. Currently, it is the second safest place in the world and the history of the Troubles has taught us all a lesson. Times, opinions and even the people have changed over the generations and, in my generation, it is not what religion you are, rather it is the person who you want to be.