On 15 November 1985 at Hillsborough Castle the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland signed an agreement which will determine the future of Northern Ireland. This book seeks to explain its significance, drawing together the historical strands from the reign of ElizabethI and pointing to its political implications. In particular, the author examines the constitutional proposals and initiatives which preceded the pact and explains why the majority of those most closely affected regard it as an insult and an outrage. The author writes in a clear, informative way for all those seeking a deeper understanding of events in Northern Ireland today.