Catholic nationalist politician John Hume and I concluded what became known as the Good Friday Agreement 23 years ago on Saturday. It was designed to end the 35 years of violence that had cost thousands of lives in Northern Ireland and beyond and to deal with the sectarian divisions that allowed terrorism to fade. Tensions are rising today as the deal is in jeopardy following a Brexit dispute.
At that time, the unionists in Ulster, the party we led, had to swallow many unpleasant compromises. The terrorists were released from prison. Those who took part in terrorist activities were encouraged to participate in democracy; some leaders of terrorist groups became members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Fundamental changes have been made to the police, who have borne the brunt of the terrorist campaign.
Political structures have been set up for North-South co-operation – a development which many unionists have seen with suspicion, believing that the aim was to move Northern Ireland away from the United Kingdom. Irish governments. But we managed to find a solution.
Despite these compromises, most people in Northern Ireland approved the Good Friday Agreement. They did so with the conviction that the constitutional position of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom could not be changed without their consent. With great political and personal costs, I secured this commitment from the governments of London and Dublin, Mr Hume’s Social Democratic and Workers’ Party and the leadership of Sinn Féin, an organization which, as now, wanted to see Northern Ireland incorporated into Republic of Ireland in the south. All parties agreed that any constitutional change to the province’s statute would require the consent of the people of Northern Ireland in a referendum. This commitment is clearly stated in the first declaration of agreement.
Despite strong opposition from members of our own community, who rejected concessions from those engaged in Republican violence, I campaigned for a “yes” vote in the Good Friday Agreement referendum, arguing that it protected the union and put the future of Northern Ireland in the hands of its people. Voters trusted my assurances and supported the agreement.