Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar joined an illustrious gathering of top UK and EU leaders in Belfast for the final day of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) summit. Alongside UK Cabinet Ministers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Trade Secretary Liz Truss, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Varadkar discussed key issues related to the implementation of the historic peace agreement and the ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland. The presence of these high-profile leaders reflected the significance of the summit, which aimed to explore ways to better address the challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ireland two decades after the GFA was signed.
The Good Friday Agreement (GFA) summit held in Belfast saw Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined by several British leaders, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Trade Secretary Liz Truss, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The summit marked the final day of discussions aimed at restoring power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.
Varadkar urged all political parties to work together to restore the devolved political institutions, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond divisions from the past. “The Good Friday Agreement is not a relic from the past. It is a living document that can sustain us through the challenges of the present and into a better future,” he said.
The GFA, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed in 1998 and brought an end to a decades-long conflict between Irish nationalists and unionist communities in Northern Ireland. The agreement provides for power-sharing between the two groups in the Northern Ireland Assembly, creating a democratic framework that is designed to keep the peace and promote reconciliation.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended for over three years due to a breakdown in power-sharing, resulting in a lack of governance and stalled progress on key issues. The GFA summit was an important step towards the restoration of the Assembly’s functioning, with leaders focussing on issues such as healthcare, education, and job creation.
Varadkar emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the GFA framework as discussions continue. “The Good Friday Agreement is the foundation stone of the peace process, and the Irish government remains fully committed to it,” he said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson echoed Varadkar’s sentiments, stating that restoring power-sharing and ensuring the success of the GFA was a top priority. “We are determined to do everything we can to help restore the Northern Ireland Assembly and make sure the Good Friday Agreement works for everyone,” he said.
Trade Secretary Liz Truss highlighted the potential economic benefits of restoring the Assembly, stating that it would be “fantastic news for Northern Ireland” and could lead to the creation of new jobs and investment.
Despite the positive discussions, there were concerns raised about the challenges ahead in restoring power-sharing and ensuring the success of the GFA. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney warned that “we shouldn’t underestimate how difficult this is going to be,” and emphasized the need for political leaders to continue working together to overcome obstacles.
The summit also highlighted the need to address ongoing sectarian tensions and to create a more inclusive and unified Northern Ireland. Irish President Michael D. Higgins spoke out about the importance of addressing these issues, stating that “it is essential that we build a society where all have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their background, identity or beliefs.”
In conclusion, the GFA summit represented an important step towards restoring power-sharing and ensuring the success of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. The discussions highlighted the need for continued cooperation and inclusivity, with leaders committed to addressing ongoing challenges and building a brighter future for all communities in Northern Ireland.
