The Power of Words: How ideas shaped the Northern Ireland peace process

Join the Royal Irish Academy for a discussion marking the publication of Ian McBride's new book on the Downing Street Declaration.
About this Event

The negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 were possible thanks to the secret conversations and ideological debates held in the run-up to the Downing Street Declaration.

Any ambitious attempt to explain the Northern Ireland peace process must therefore be, in part, a history of ideas. Using confidential letters and papers, often made available for the very first time, The Downing Street Declaration and the origins of the Northern Ireland peace process reconstructs the making of the Declaration and of the IRA ceasefire of 1994. It traces the origins of the key concepts of ‘self-determination’ and ‘consent’ and explains how they were reconciled, setting out a peaceful path to Irish unification.

Following a short presentation by the author, a panel discussion chaired by Adrian O'Neill, former Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom, will consider the significance of the Declaration and its enduring legacy. Panellists include Ian McBride, Eleanor Williams (Dublin City University) and Niall Ó Dochartaigh (University of Galway).

The book will be available for purchase on the evening, and a short reception will follow the event. Click here for more information about the book and to pre-order.

Eolas faoi Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann

Is cumann léannta neamhspleách, uile-oileáin é Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann, a bunaíodh sa bhliain 1785. Tacaíonn an tAcadamh le scoláireacht agus taighde sna heolaíochtaí, sna daonnachtaí agus sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta. Tá tuairim is 680 comhalta tofa ann agus 80 ball foirne, agus déanann siad ionadaíocht ar son na hÉireann go hidirnáisiúnta, cuireann siad comhairle shaineolach ar fáil don rialtas, déanann siad taighde, déanann siad deontais taighde a riaradh, eagraíonn siad comhdhálacha agus léachtaí poiblí, cuireann siad leabhair agus irisí acadúla i gcló, agus déanann siad cúram de leabharlann taighde.

About the Royal Irish Academy

The Royal Irish Academy (RIA), established in 1785, is an all-island, independent learned society and academic body that champions research by supporting and promoting scholarship in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its elected membership of approximately 680 individuals and 80 staff represent Ireland internationally, provide expert advice to government, carry out research, administer research grants, organise conferences and public lectures, publish academic books and journals, and maintain a research library.

Tabhair faoi deara: Ba cheart go mbainfeá an tAcadamh (19 Sráid Dhásain) amach faoi 3.50pm ar a dhéanaí chun a chinntiú go mbeidh gach éinne socraithe sula gcuirfear tús leis an imeacht ar 4pm. Ní ligfear isteach daoine a bheidh déanach.

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Please note: We ask that you arrive to the Royal Irish Academy (19 Dawson Street) no later than 3.50 pm so that we can ensure everyone is seated before the event begins at 4pm. Late-comers will not be admitted.

Riachtanais rochtana

An bhfuil riachtanais rochtana de chineál ar bith agat? An bhféadfaimis cuidiú leat tairbhe iomlán a bhaint as an imeacht? Bí i dteagmháil, roimh ré, le hoifigeach rochtana an Acadaimh, [email protected]

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