The Anglo-Irish Agreement, which was signed on 15 November 1985 by the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the Irish Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, marked a significant development in Anglo-Irish relations. It created a framework for greater cooperation between Britain and Ireland on political matters; security and related issues; legal matters, including the administration of justice; enabled an Irish Government input on Northern Ireland concerns and the promotion of cross-border cooperation. Although it was controversial among some parts of Northern Ireland society when it was signed, the Anglo-Irish Agreement arguably laid the groundwork for the later peaceful resolution of the Troubles.
This one-day conference to mark the 40th anniversary of this agreement brings together speakers who were directly involved in the negotiations on behalf of the British and Irish governments as well as international and Northern Ireland political figures. Together they will reflect on the genesis of the Agreement, the political reactions to it, subsequent developments, outworkings and enduring impacts.
The conference is hosted in partnership with the John and Pat Hume Foundation, the Royal Irish Academy and the Civic Engagement and Strategic Communications Directorate, QUB.
