Does the 1998 Good Friday Agreemant provide the basis for a solution to the Northern Ireland Problem, or does its fate show that there is no solution to the northern Ireland problem.

The partition of Ireland in 1921 established for the first time two separate entities within the island of Ireland.  The separate state of Northern Ireland was to remain under direct control from Westminster while the south would begin the journey of self government.  The fact that there were six counties in Northern Ireland that were to remain under British rule caused anguish both north and south of the boarder.  While at this time the north was dominated by people who wanted to stay under British control there was a sizeable minority who were more than unhappy with the arrangement.  What followed was a political, social and class struggle which has lasted till the present day.  Following many failed attempts at a solution the Good Friday Agreement provided a realistic hopefulness that an agreement could be reached….(short extract)