The Good Friday Agreement is a set of agreements, concluded on April 10th 1998 and ratified by popular vote on May 22nd 1998, that secured the devolved government in Northern Ireland. The agreement was the result of a long period of political uncertainty and extreme violence in Northern Ireland, known as ‘The Troubles’, which was a period of conflict that ran from the 1960s to, generally agreed, the Good Friday Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement has been a success
The Good Friday Agreement has secured a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, with a steep reduction in violence and an improved relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The Good Friday Agreement has ensured a lasting peace
The Good Friday Agreement has seen a dramatic reduction in violence in Northern Ireland, and has ended the period of sectarian conflict known as 'The Troubles'.
The Good Friday Agreement has improved the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
The Good Friday Agreement was the impetus for a thaw in relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. While the relationship between the two states was strained during the Troubles, they now have a much more positive working relationship.
The Good Friday Agreement has been a failure due to the fact that Northern Ireland has seen a polarisation in politics since 1998. Many of the terms of the treaty, such as the release of prisoners, has also been hotly contested.
The Good Friday Agreement allowed people to get away with murder
The early prisoner release, part of the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, has been heavily criticised by some for allowing killers to walk free.
The Good Friday Agreement has led to a polarisation in politics
The Good Friday Agreement did not lead to a more united political sphere. In contrast, more extreme parties such as the DUP and Sinn Fein have become even more popular.
