Treatise on Northern Ireland, Volume III: Consociation and Confederation

The Good Friday Agreement was a historic political settlement that ended the conflict in Northern Ireland and established power-sharing institutions in Ireland. Brendan O Leary's book explains the making of the agreement and the failed initiatives that preceded it. The agreement was successful in enabling Sinn Féin and the DUP to share power, but the decision to hold a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union has damaged and destabilized it. O Leary's book provides a clear and unsentimental assessment of the recent events and possible futures.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 512 pages
\n Publication date: 17 April 2019
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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The Good Friday Agreement, a historic accord reached between Ireland's political parties in 1998, garnered significant international attention and acclaim. While it may not have always been fully understood, its significance lies in the fact that it marked a significant milestone in the political decolonization of Ireland. Through two referendums, the agreement secured the freely given consent of the majority of people on the island, establishing a new political framework for the entire country. It was widely believed that this agreement would pave the way for Ireland's eventual reunification, or, alternatively, for Northern Ireland to remain in union with Great Britain, depending on the will of the Irish people.

To address the complex self-determination dispute, a power-sharing arrangement was implemented, involving a complex mode of cooperation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Brendan O Leary's A Treatise on Northern Ireland provides a comprehensive account of the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, as well as the numerous failed initiatives that preceded it under British direct rule. The book delves into long-term structural and institutional changes, as well as short-term political maneuvers, that shaped the settlement.

The Anglo-Irish Agreement, signed in 1985, is identified as a political tipping point, partly resulting from the hunger strikes of 1980-81 that aimed to prevent the criminalization of republicanism. Until 2016, it was generally believed that the Good Friday Agreement had broadly worked, allowing Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to share power, with intermittent attention from the sovereign governments. Cultural Catholics appeared content with the Union with Great Britain, although some concerns were raised about the influence of British institutions on Irish affairs.

However, the decision to hold a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union has had collateral consequences for the Good Friday Agreement. The referendum resulted in a narrow vote to leave the EU, which has led to ongoing negotiations between the UK and the European Union regarding the country's exit. These negotiations have been complex and contentious, with significant divisions within the UK government and among the various political parties.

In assessing these recent events and considering potential futures, readers will find O Leary's book invaluable. The author provides a detailed analysis of the historical context, the negotiations, and the political developments that have shaped the UK's relationship with the European Union and Ireland. O Leary offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Good Friday Agreement remains a significant milestone in Irish history, and its impact continues to be felt today. While the road to a unified Ireland or a stable union with Great Britain remains uncertain, the agreement's legacy of peace, cooperation, and political progress serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people. By examining the past and present, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape Ireland's political landscape and the potential for future reconciliation and growth.

\n Weight: 874g\n
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198830580\n \n