The GFA Debate Election of Northern Ireland Assembly Prisoner release programme Arms decommissioning North-South Ministerial council (allowing ministers from Dublin & Belfast to co-operate on and co ordinate policy) RUC reform Referendum on the terms

The Good Friday Agreement Any agreement had to fulfil 3 Roles: It had to determine an acceptable form of Power-sharing in which both communities would be fairly and proportionally represented Retain and Legitimise the link with Britain Define an acceptable Role for the Republic of Ireland

1. Acceptable form of Power sharing Election of Northern Ireland Assembly 108 MLA’s (Member of the Legislative assembly) Elected by STV (Single Transferrable Vote) A form of PR (PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION) based on a CONSTITUENCY Ministerial Positions in the Executive Committee were to be based on the Electoral strength of the Parties.

2. Links with Britain The British Irish Council (BIC) or Council of the Isles showing commitment on British connection ‘Consent’ was a major foundation of the Agreement helping to dampen Unionist fears Unionist content

3. Links with Republic of Ireland The Irish Government dropped their claims to Northern Ireland stated in Articles 2 & 3 of the Irish Constitution This helped allay Unionist fears North South Ministerial Council established – to Co Ordinate & co operate on policy Unionist content Nationalist content

OTHER ISSUES

Prisoner Release Programme Many prisoners are released ‘On Licence’ as part of the Agreement This angers many Unionists especially when new intimidation and terrorist activity re-occur

RUC REFORM Patten Commission led by last Governor of Hong Kong recommends huge change Recruitment is to be much more proportional Name is to change to PSNI Badge is also to be dropped RUC is given the George Cross medal to help heal the hurt

ARMS DECOMMISSIONING A huge problem to be overcome An independent Arms Review Body was set up under American Senator George Mitchell to get rid of IRA (and potentially Loyalist) weapons

71% Yes vote for Good Friday Agreement 81% turnout Referendum (1998) 71% Yes vote for Good Friday Agreement 81% turnout Slim majority of unionists & large majority of nationalists backed referendum

How is the N.I. assembly organised? Elected N.I. Assembly, 108 members with legislative powers elected by STV

How is the N.I. assembly organised? Governing executive committee (12 ministers headed by First /Deputy First Minister) Ministerial posts allocated on PR basis according to party strength in assembly David Trimble (UUP) became first minister, Seamus Mallon deputy (SDLP), Sinn Fein won 2 executive ministry posts