Explore every Emerald Archives article connected with Fifteenth Amendment.
1990–1999 CE
In 1996, Ireland combined economic optimism and demographic recovery with political violence, reform and institutional change. The IRA’s Canary Wharf bombing ended its ceasefire, while the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, the Manchester bomb and Drumcree tensions strained Northern Ireland peace negotiations. Investigative journalist Veronica Guerin’s murder highlighted organised crime, prompting stronger anti-crime measures. Divorce became legally available under the Family Law (Divorce) Act. Growth, employment and EU presidency indicated growing confidence, though unemployment and inequality persisted. Teilifís na Gaeilge launched, strengthening Irish-language broadcasting. The year thus revealed a modernising State still vulnerable to conflict, crime and uneven prosperity.
In 1995, Ireland confronted constitutional, social and political change amid economic growth and cultural confidence. The Government and Britain issued Framework Documents for Northern Ireland, while disputes over paramilitary decommissioning delayed talks; the twin-track initiative and President Clinton’s visit sustained peace-process momentum. In November, voters narrowly approved the Fifteenth Amendment, ending the constitutional ban on divorce subject to conditions. The Supreme Court’s McKenna ruling required state neutrality in referendum campaigns. Legislation permitted regulated information on abortion services abroad and established civil legal aid. Rising employment foreshadowed the Celtic Tiger, while Riverdance and plans for Irish-language television symbolised modernising cultural ambition.
