In 1998, referendums on the landmark Good Friday Agreement were passed by the people of Ireland.
The negotiation and agreement of the Belfast Agreement on Good Friday in 1998 was a watershed in Irish history but a political moment of equal importance was the simultaneous passing of two referendums approving the agreement by the people on the island of Ireland. The Houses of the Oireachtas marked the anniversary of these plebiscites with events on Tuesday, 23 May.
Address to the Seanad by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
The former Taoiseach addressed Senators to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The Cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer, noted “Mr Ahern’s leadership was strong not in the sense of coercing people or imposing on them, but in compromise, creativity and courage. As Cathaoirleach I look forward to welcoming the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to address Seanad Éireann on the milestone in peace that is the Good Friday Agreement.”
Panel discussion
A panel discussion reflecting on the passing of referendums that gave effect to the Good Friday Agreement was held in the Members’ restaurant. Hosted by Seán O’Rourke and with a panel of civil and political actors who worked at the heart of the agreement, the broad-ranging discussion considered what it took for the island to say “Yes” to the landmark agreement.
Architects of the Good Friday Agreement
As part of the commemoration of the historic agreement, a series of hand-drawn portraits of "Architects of the Good Friday Agreement" by artist Shane Gillen was displayed in Leinster House. The ink and pencil portraits include those of politicians, civil rights activists and community leaders who played a pivotal role in the peace process that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
