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1921 The political division of Ireland takes place as, after centuries of British rule, including 120 years when the country was governed as part of the United Kingdom, 26 of the 32 counties of Ireland gain independence. The remaining six continue in political union with Britain as Northern Ireland.

1921 - 1972 A devolved government in Northern Ireland operates with virtual autonomy from London on local matters. Power remains exclusively in the hands of the Unionist Party. The Nationalist community has no role in government and suffers systematic discrimination in many areas including voting rights, housing and employment.

1969 Non violent campaigners, drawing inspiration from the United States, campaign for civil rights and are met with a hostile and repressive response from the Northern Ireland authorities, ushering in a period of sustained political crisis.

1970's Against the background of political crisis the early 1970's see a revival of paramilitary activity by the IRA and a corresponding growth in paramilitary violence by extreme Loyalist groups. In a deteriorating security situation the British Government brings Northern Ireland under the direct control of the Westminster Parliament.

1980's From the early 1980's the Irish and British Governments begin to co-operate closely in efforts to achieve a widely acceptable and durable political resolution to the Northern Ireland conflict. An Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council is formed to provide a framework in which relations between the two Governments can be conducted.

1990's In 1991/92 the Governments convene round table talks involving the Ulster Unionist Part, the Social Democrat and Labour Party, the Democratic Unionist Party and the Alliance Party. In 1997 following a renewal of the IRA ceasefire Sinn Féin enter Multi-Party Talks and substantive discussions get under way. On Friday 10th April 1999, Good Friday, a comprehensive agreement is reached between the parties containing provisions for constitutional change and new political structure in Northern Ireland, between Ireland North and South and between Britain and Ireland. On May 22nd 1998 in referendums North and South, the people of Ireland give their overwhelming endorsement of the Agreement, the first occasion since 1918 in which all of the people of Ireland voted together to decide their political future.

The Present Since the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement, its full implementation has been the highest priority for the Irish Government. Working in close co-operation with the British Government and with the parties, substantial progress has been made. On December 12th 1999, the same day on which power was devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive, The British and Irish Governments exchanged notifications bringing the British and Irish agreement into force.