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1985
Preliminary Anglo-Irish Agreement discussions begin
Preliminary discussions commenced on February 28, 1985, laying the groundwork for what would become the Anglo-Irish Agreement. These talks represented a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at finding new approaches to resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland. The agreement, signed later that year, gave the Republic of Ireland an advisory role in Northern Ireland's affairs, much to the dismay of unionists but seen by nationalists as a step towards greater cooperation and peace.
Read the full story →Air India Flight 182 Disaster off Irish Coast
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 tragically exploded off the coast of Cork, Ireland, killing all 329 passengers and crew. This devastating event was the deadliest act of aviation terrorism before 9/11. Irish naval vessels and local fishing boats were among the first responders, leading significant recovery efforts. The incident underscored Ireland's crucial role in international aviation and maritime rescue operations.
Read the full story →Anglo-Irish Agreement Signed
The Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed on November 15, 1985, at Hillsborough Castle by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Irish Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. This landmark treaty aimed to resolve the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as 'The Troubles'. It granted the Irish government an advisory role in Northern Ireland's affairs, while affirming that Northern Ireland's constitutional status would not change without the consent of its majority. The agreement also sought to establish a devolved government in the region, marking a significant step in Anglo-Irish relations and the peace process, despite initial strong opposition from unionists.
Read the full story →Ulster Unionist MPs Resign over Anglo-Irish Agreement
On December 17, 1985, all fifteen Ulster Unionist Members of Parliament resigned their seats in the House of Commons. This mass resignation was a direct protest against the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which had been signed by the British and Irish governments a month earlier. The agreement aimed to give the Republic of Ireland a consultative role in the governance of Northern Ireland, a move deeply opposed by Unionists who viewed it as an infringement on British sovereignty and a step towards a united Ireland. The resignations triggered by-elections, which Unionists hoped would serve as a referendum on the agreement.
Read the full story →Progressive Democrats Party founded
On December 21, 1985, the Progressive Democrats (PD) Party was founded by Desmond O'Malley, a former Fianna Fáil minister. The party emerged from a split within Fianna Fáil, advocating for liberal economic policies, social reform, and a more modern approach to Irish politics. Its formation represented a significant development in the Irish political landscape, introducing a new centrist force that challenged the traditional dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The party held its first public meeting the following month and went on to play a notable role in several coalition governments.
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