Northern Ireland and the Peace Process The origins of the Northern Ireland peace process can be traced back to the agreement generally known as the Anglo-Irish Agreement, signed in 1985 between the English and Irish governments. Under this agreement, the United Kingdom accepted the condition that the constitutional status of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom will not be changed without the approval of a majority of Irish citizens. He also recognized the fact that the Irish Government will be given an active role in issues and decision-making relating to Northern Ireland. However, it should be noted that the most important influence of this agreement was observed in the form of the development of stable and institutionalized mutual support between the two governments. This aspect is considered the most useful factor in achieving a lasting solution in Northern Ireland. One of the most important positive outcomes of this agreement was that it enabled the British and Irish administrations to develop at least some progressive and growth-oriented policies for the Northern Ireland region and its people. This is an important aspect that has been ignored by both governments for a considerable period of time. One of the issues on which both governments focused most during the peace process was the need to reach a mutual agreement between the two governments so that a certain level of political and constitutional developments in the region would be achieved and some political stability. be brought. This will not only help achieve a peaceful resolution to the issue, but will discourage violent elements in Northern Ireland from prolonging the situation further. In the years to come, the start... middle of paper ...handing over of arms made it clear that the majority of trade unionists were unwilling to enter into talks with Sinn Féin. The IRA realized that the British government was unwilling to look after its interests and so in early 1996 it revoked the ceasefire. It should however be noted that the peace process has not yet concluded with the end of the IRA ceasefire. It has made some developments in recent years and is expected to make progress in the years to come. Works Cited Patrick Michael Rucker: This Troubled Land: Voices from Northern Ireland on the Front Lines of Peace: Ballantine Books, 2002 Brendan O'Leary and John McGarry: The Politics of Antagonism: Understanding Northern Ireland: Athlone Press, 1996 Harold H. Saunders : A public peace process: sustained dialogue to transform racial and ethnic conflicts: Palgrave Macmillan, 1999