Lessons from Anglo-Irish Agreement 36 years on can help solve issues around NI Protocol

The achievements of the Anglo-Irish Agreement still hold power and can be useful in deciphering the conundrum that is Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland, writes David Garrahy

After much arm-twisting and false dawns, Boris Johnson agreed to the current arrangements which put Northern Ireland in the unique position of being part of the UK, while also having access to the EU’s Single Market.

The Anglo-Irish Agreement is often remembered for the opposition that it created rather than its considerable achievements. People remember Ian Paisley’s “never, never, never” speech as well as Charlie Haughey’s political manoeuvring against it. 

However, some lessons from this 36-year-old agreement are very useful in deciphering the conundrum that is Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland.