In November 1985, as anticipation was building towards the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, this report was prepared for Ulster Television's Good Evening Ulster news programme. It gives an insight into the recent history of the talks, which aimed to find a solution to the paramilitary problem in Northern Ireland and to offer a greater sense of involvement for the nationalist community.
Charting the thawing
of relations between the UK under prime minister Margaret Thatcher and the
Irish Republic under taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald, it provides a useful
introduction to the state of play in the autumn of 1985. Mrs Thatcher can be
heard setting out red lines on the British position regarding Northern Ireland
but she would still ultimately face a huge backlash from Unionist politicians
and the loyalist community.