Anglo-Irish Negotiation Process: the Way to the Peace in Ulster

The article is devoted to the actions of conservative cabinet of Margaret Thatcher in Northern Ireland through the prism of the Anglo-Irish negotiations.The purpose of the article is to examine features of Anglo-Irish negotiation process from 1980 until 1985. It was analyzed its dynamics and effi ciency in the period from 1980 to the signing of the agreement in Hillsborough in 1985. The peculiarities of the negotiation process, the motives of each of the parties are researched. The article also shows the change in the Northern Ireland policy of the British between 1980 and 1985. Moreover, particular attention is paid to the reasons for changing the strategy by Thatcher in the negotiation process. The negotiation process from 1980 till 1985 can be divided into two periods. The fi rst one includes 1980–1984 years and characterized by forming positions of Great Britain and Republic of Ireland concerning roles in the confl ict. The second period was more effective because during the year after November Summit it was possible to work out the text of Anglo-Irish Agreement.