Good Friday Agreement: 'it's a masterpiece' 25 years on we hear from the man who led the Yes campaign
Quintin Oliver was one of the key people who helped get the deal over the line
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
The Belfast man who played a crucial role in securing a resounding endorsement for the Good Friday Agreement believes the historic deal is STILL fit for purpose.
Quintin Oliver's role in getting the deal over the line simply can't be overstated.
He had to gave up his job to run the Referendum's cross-party 'Yes' campaign - and he recalls the high stakes in what was a rollercoaster run-up to the Vote.
He says emotions ran high especially with one of the more controversial consequences
"There were people even in my team who were debating in their minds is this quite right - I lost my brother in an incident - those people who may get out of prison and may stand for Election and may end up as Housing, Justice or Education Minister," he said.
Looking back, though, despite all of the initial risks, Quintin believes it was all worthwhile - and he says the Agreement does very much stand the test of time.
"I think the Good Friday Agreement is a remarkable 'act of genius' as Bill Clinton called it on the 20th anniversary," he said.
"It was an amazing,comprehensive peace agreement between warring tribes who were killing each other - 100 people a year were being killed for political reasons.
"And it was a masterpiece."