Sunningdale and the Common Market
Archived: 8 October 2026
In 1973, Ireland joined the European Economic Community, opening markets, agricultural supports and a less Britain-dependent future, while Irish gained limited Community status. A Fine Gael–Labour coalition replaced Fianna Fáil, and constitutional reforms lowering the voting age and removing denominational preference took effect. Troubles violence affected both jurisdictions and extended to London. Northern Ireland’s border poll, Assembly, constitutional legislation and power-sharing plans sought to replace unionist majority rule, but remained contested. December’s Sunningdale Agreement linked consent, an Executive and a Council of Ireland. Oil-driven inflation complicated European optimism. The year established principles of power-sharing and north-south co-operation amid continuing conflict.