Signing of the Good Friday Agreement

Attached is a photo of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and PM Tony Blair signing the Good Friday Agreement on April 10th, 1998. This marked a significant turning point in modern Irish society and politics, and showed the determination of political leaders to achieve peace in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Their presence at the table together also signified the combined efforts of the Republic of Ireland and Britain to achieve much needed peace, and stop the tremendous violence between Unionists and Loyalists. Along with these two men, other significant politcal leaders who led the way in reaching the Good Friday Agreement were David Trimble and John Hume of the Ulster Unionist and Social Democratic and Labor Parties, respectively. These two political parties were instrumental in the success of the Belfast Agreement, and for their efforts Hume and Trimble were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.