Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today, we mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. This historic agreement, which was signed on 10 April 1998, has been a cornerstone of the peace process on this island. It is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to end the conflict that had plagued our island for far too long and to heal the wounds of the sectarianism that resulted from the partition of the island by a foreign power. The agreement offered hope and a pathway towards a better future for all communities, however they identify themselves. It has helped to build trust between communities and fostered greater co-operation and understanding between our neighbouring groups.

It is a matter of deep regret that the Executive in the North has collapsed despite good-faith engagement on the part of most parties involved. Since Sinn Féin's historic election result in May of 2022, the DUP has refused to return to government in the North. This has left all people in the North without a functioning Executive. The consequences of this are serious and far-reaching, with key decisions left unmade, services left undelivered and the future post-Brexit impacts uncertain.

Sinn Féin recognises that the current political impasse cannot continue. It is time for all stakeholders to recommit to the Good Friday Agreement and its principles of power-sharing, equality and mutual respect. I urge all parties to come to the table and engage in meaningful dialogue to seek to find a way forward and to restore the Executive in the North. We also believe that the Good Friday Agreement needs to be strengthened and built on. Successive agreements show us that there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as the legacy of the past and the need to build a more inclusive society, but we are confident that with the right approach we can overcome these challenges and build a better future for everyone on this island.

The Good Friday Agreement has brought peace to our island, but it is a fragile peace that needs to be nurtured and protected. As we mark the 25th anniversary of this historic agreement, let us renew our commitment to its principles and work together to ensure that it continues to deliver for all communities north and south of the Border.

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