The Vulnerability of the Northern Ireland Settlement: British Irish Relations, Political Crisis and Brexit

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 is the cornerstone of stability in Northern Ireland. It is, however, vulnerable to changes in British-Irish relations and priorities. This article argues that this is at the root of recent crises and political stalemate in Northern Ireland. It argues that future shocks - not least the threat of British exit from the EU - are likely to increase instability in Northern Ireland and in North-South relations.