“Queen’s University Belfast hosts conference marking 25th Anniversary of Belfast Agreement”

In a recent conference marking the 23rd anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair commended the politicians of Northern Ireland for the risks they took in negotiating and signing the peace deal. The conference, hosted by the University of Liverpool, brought together political figures and experts to discuss the impact of the agreement on Northern Ireland and its future. Despite ongoing challenges, Blair emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for Northern Ireland.


Queen’s University Belfast is hosting a three-day conference to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, which came after years of political strife in Northern Ireland. The event features speeches and panel discussions from many key figures who were involved in framing the agreement. Former US special envoy, George Mitchell, who chaired the all-party talks that led to the agreement, delivered a keynote speech and noted that peace was not guaranteed and could not be allowed to slip away. The event included contributions from former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and former senior members of Northern Ireland’s political parties. Of particular note, a panel discussion featured former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former US President Bill Clinton.

The Belfast Agreement was built on crucial principles to ensure its success. Under the agreement, constitutional changes would need the majority support of the public, and institutions in Northern Ireland would need restructuring. Blair revealed the nervousness around the political consequences of failure was a spur for reaching the agreement. The former UK PM also advised that it was vital they agreed to talk to everybody, such as Sinn Féin. Hillary Clinton chaired the final panel talk featuring the Irish, UK, and US political leaders.

Ian Paisley Jnr, a DUP MP, commented that Northern Ireland politics had returned to a state of tension, and the unionist community was currently out of love with its political institutions. Reg Empey, a former Ulster Unionist Party leader, expressed criticism of the government’s handling of Brexit negotiations as the worst example of statecraft he had ever seen.

The conference included moments of tribute to politicians involved in the Belfast Agreement who have since died, including John Hume, Martin McGuinness, Rev Dr Ian Paisley, David Trimble, David Ervine, Seamus Mallon, and Dr Mo Mowlam.

Former Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, stated that the Belfast Agreement was not a destination but rather the beginning of a new journey, a reference to the opportunity to vote in the future for a united Ireland. Former president Mary McAleese advised there were still areas in Northern Ireland facing significant socio-economic disadvantage, and much-needed reforms of the Belfast Agreement could only follow once Stormont was rebooted.

In conclusion, the conference acknowledged that the hard work towards reconciliation was far from over, and that the principles established by the Belfast Agreement require consistent effort to secure its future.