Ceann Comhairle to host When the island said ‘Yes’ – a panel discussion on the Good Friday Agreement referendums in 1998

The panel discussion, moderated by journalist and broadcaster Sean O’Rourke, will feature key players that contributed to delivering peace on our island.

The participants in the panel discussion are:

• Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach, 1997-2008;
• Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Féin, 1983-2018;
• Bríd Rodgers, leader of SDLP team in Good Friday Agreement negotiations;
• David Kerr, former Director of Communications, Ulster Unionist Party, 1996-1998;
• Monica McWilliams, co-founder of Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition;
• Liz O’Donnell, Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs, 1997-2002;
• Rev Harold Good, Methodist Minister and independent witness to arms decommissioning;  
• Deric Henderson, journalist and former Ireland Editor, Press Association.

The audience will be made up of serving and former Members of the Oireachtas, Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland Members of Parliament, civic society and journalists who reported on the Good Friday Agreement talks and referendums.

The Ceann Comhairle said: “A key component of the Good Friday Agreement was that the future of our island rested in the hands of the people of the island. On that momentous day in May 1998, the people voted with a resounding Yes for the peace agreement in simultaneous referendums”. 

“The people of this island said ‘yes’ to building new and stronger relationships within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain. And they said ‘yes’ to a future of peace and prosperity for us all.”

“As Ceann Comhairle, I am delighted to host this panel discussion When the island said Yes with such distinguished participants marking this auspicious anniversary.”