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The Irish government and the peace process, 1992-1994 : a political perspective ; an observer perspective
Alternative Title
The Irish government and the peace process, 1992-1994 : a political perspective
The Irish government and the peace process, 1992-1994 : an observer perspective
Author(s)
Date Issued
2003
Date Available
2010-07-21T16:05:53Z
Abstract
A Political Perspective:
This paper explores the role of the Irish government in advancing the peace process in the years leading up to the ceasefires of 1994. As Taoiseach since 1992, Albert Reynolds had brought his own familiarity with Northern Ireland as a businessman to bear on efforts to resolve the problem. A positive working relationship with British prime minister John Major and with US President Bill Clinton helped to ease the path towards a ceasefire, and to provide the outline of a political settlement (as summarised in the Downing St Declaration of 1993, on which the later Framework Document was built). The paper discusses the role of the Irish government, and in particular of the Taoiseach, his advisors and intermediaries, in persuading republican and loyalist paramilitaries of the potential of the political path, and in encouraging the adoption of conclusive ceasefires.
An Observer Perspective:
This paper examines the contribution of a number of key individuals—prominent among them the Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds; his advisor, Martin Mansergh; and a Redemptorist priest, Fr Alec Reid—to bringing about peace in Northern Ireland. It assesses the central contribution of the Taoiseach in persuading the republican movement that his government possessed sufficient international clout to make it a worthwhile ally in pursuing a political rather than a military path. Martin Mansergh was able to reinforce this message in his contacts with republicans, and Fr Alec Reid, an intermediary whose role was not known at the time, was able to provide vital reassurances to each side about thinking on the other side as discussions proceeded.
Sponsorship
Not applicable
Type of Material
Working Paper
Publisher
University College Dublin. Institute for British-Irish Studies
Series
IBIS Working Papers
30
The path to peace: negotiating and implementing the Belfast agreement Lecture Series
2
Copyright (Published Version)
The authors, 2003
Subject – LCSH
Northern Ireland--Politics and government--1994-
Peace-building--Northern Ireland
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
Conference Details
Revised text of two lectures presented as part of the seminar series “The path to peace: negotiating and implementing the Belfast agreement”, organised jointly by Co-Operation Ireland and the Institute for British-Irish Studies. The lectures were presented in UCD on 12 December 2002.
ISSN
1649-0304
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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