Biography
Henry Patterson – Ulster University
- Emeritus Professor of Irish Politics at Ulster University
- Published extensively on the history of Northern Ireland, Ireland and Anglo-Irish relations.
- Publications include:
- Ireland’s Violent Frontier: the Border and Anglo-Irish Relations during the Troubles (2016)
- Unionism and Orangeism since 1945 (2007), Ireland since 1939 (2006)
- Northern Ireland 1921-2001 Political Forces and Social Classes (2002)
- Class Conflict and Sectarianism The Protestant Working Class and the Belfast Labour Movement 1868-1920 (2020)
- Member of the Centenary Historical Advisory Panel established by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in August 2020.
Interpretation
The most important factor that led to the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement was David Trimble’s leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party. Trimble led a naturally conservative force to embrace an accord which involved a share in government for Sinn Féin, a party which unionists regarded as spokespersons for a terrorist campaign that accounted for over sixty per cent of deaths during the Troubles.
His predecessor, James Molyneaux, had pronounced the IRA ceasefire of 1994 the most destabilising event in the history of Northern Ireland. He feared that any subsequent negotiations would see unionists pressed to make unacceptable political concessions to prevent a return to violence.
When Molyneaux resigned in 1995 David Trimble, was perceived as the most right wing of the contenders . However, once Leader, Trimble broke decisively with Molyneaux’s passive approach. Convinced that he had obtained acceptance of Northern Ireland’s constitutional position by nationalists and republicans he was prepared to go into government with Sinn Féin, agree to the early release of paramilitary prisoners and the radical reform of policing. Without this willingness to go over the heads of many of his party members and activists the Agreement would not have been possible.
Task
Study each interpretation and summarise the key points made by the historian.
- What do they argue is the most important factor, individual or group?
- How did this contribute to the peace process and Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement?
- What challenges and obstacles had to be overcome?
- What evidence is given to support this interpretation?
- Does the historian’s biographical information help to explain their interpretation?
- From your own knowledge how convincing do you find this interpretation?
- What further evidence would you want to find in the documents to make the interpretation convincing?
- If you were to provide a one-word summary of this individual’s contribution, which of these would you choose, or can you think of a better word?
- Obstructive / Unhelpful / Marginal / Constructive / Helpful / Pragmatic / Visionary / Essential