Beyond the Border. Richard Humphreys
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PRAISE FOR BEYOND THE BORDER
‘This book by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys is both timely and enlightening and, most important, in a non-political way explains excellently the parts of the Agreement that have been misunderstood. The author gives a comprehensive overview of the main events over the past twenty years and deals with the challenges ahead in a way that is helpful to all involved in this debate. What we have in this book is an understanding of the implications of the Agreement now for the short and long term, taking account of the constitutional parameters. As the debate on a New Ireland evolves, this book will be an essential read to understand clearly the central policy issues to be dealt with.’
Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach
‘In his Foreword to Dr. Richard Humphreys’ book Countdown to Unity (published in 2009) the former Attorney General of Ireland, the late Rory Brady SC, observed that reconciliation of the tension between the right to self determination and the reality of political life on the island of Ireland was to be found in the policy of ‘consent’ and he described how Countdown to Unity carefully and eruditely analysed this fundamental precept.
Some nine years later, Mr. Justice Humphreys, in Beyond the Border, provides a likewise learned and reasoned analysis of the challenges to the principle of ‘consent’ against the changed political and legal landscape in 2018. He explains, for example, in the context of the debate about a border poll, that any aim to secure unity by a ‘given date’ can only be aspirational rather than be made a legally effective requirement, as to do so would be fundamentally inconsistent with the principle of consent which forms the basis of the Good Friday Agreement and its antecedent legal framework.
In Beyond the Border Mr. Justice Humphreys gives an insightful analysis of historical, political and legal factors which have shaped and continue to influence the Good Friday Agreement. It is required reading for all those interested in law, politics and government, the challenges faced by Brexit and the operation of international agreements.
Perhaps most importantly, I would commend Beyond the Border to all those on both sides of the Irish sea who continue to work tirelessly to uphold the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement.’
Conleth Bradley SC, author of Judicial Review
‘Compulsory reading. Written in a style accessible to a broad readership, Humphreys has demonstrated an encyclopedic knowledge in his eloquent navigation from the Good Friday Agreement to the implications of Brexit. This fine book is a blueprint for uniting the peoples of this island.’
Elaine Byrne, columnist, Sunday Business Post
‘At this critical time in our history, when Brexit raises challenges for the island of Ireland, this publication brings us, step by step, through the nuts and bolts of the Good Friday Agreement. It addresses concerns arising from the collapse of devolved government in Northern Ireland, and presents possible options for the future. Even if you do not agree with the author’s hypotheticals for the future, this is a remarkable source of relevant information. It is a significant publication in the search to maintain peace, highlighting the importance of a functioning Northern Ireland, and a partnership for peace on both a North/South and an East/West axis, while stressing the necessity for equality and parity of esteem.
Bringing civil conflict to an end has always been extremely difficult, compromise being required from all parties. Following on a conclusion of conflict, maintaining a healthy civil society, despite a legacy of bitterness, requires continuing leadership, accompanied by insight. It is indeed an apt time for the publication of this carefully researched and clearly written analysis of the Agreement. This book will be of interest to historians, politicians, lawyers and all interested in progressing peace on the island of Ireland. Given the long view taken by the author, and the wide range of his hypotheticals, it is likely to remain on our desks for some time to come.’
Susan Denham, former Chief Justice
‘An in-depth and substantial publication on the peace process. In light of Brexit, this is a timely study of the legal parameters and implications of the Belfast Agreement.’
Martina Fitzgerald, RTÉ Political Correspondent
‘This book expertly analyses the complexities of the Good Friday Agreement. The author displays considerable scholarship and a deep understanding of the issues. The book is a major contribution to the understanding of the legal obligations arising from the Good Friday Agreement.’
Paul Gallagher SC, former Attorney General
‘Irish judges used to think it was enough to simply assert that a united Ireland was a constitutional imperative. Mr. Justice Humphreys is not so arrogant. In this meticulous analysis of the Good Friday Agreement, he faces hard questions squarely. Among them: does the Republic really know what to do if a united Ireland is carried by a majority that’s even smaller than the Brexit one; how would a future Oireachtas cope with a million new voters who claim British citizenship? Both polities on the island will benefit from his insights.’
Eoghan Harris, columnist, Sunday Independent
‘Richard Humphreys has authored a timely and challenging analysis of the implications of the Good Friday Agreement and Brexit for the future of Ireland, north and south, and for the aspiration for Irish unity. His objective but engaging study of the prospects for change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland … will serve as an authoritative guide to the obstacles and challenges inherent in a constitutional rapprochement between the parts and traditions of Ireland …
This study should be read in every part of Ireland and by all those in the islands who care for reconciliation and progress in the spirit of Thomas Davis … An excellent and much-needed work.’
Michael McDowell SC, former Tánaiste and Attorney General
‘This scholarly but very readable book by Richard Humphreys is a timely and important contribution to the debate on Brexit and its implications for the two jurisdictions on the island, viewed through the prism of the Good Friday Agreement.
It is a follow-on from the excellent Countdown to Unity (2009), which itself examined the legal aspects (as well as implementation and non-implementation) of the agreement brokered two decades ago. This book provides a form of sequel, updating all that has happened since: 17 suspensions in all; the power-sharing institutions in abeyance for a year and a half.
The core of this new book is the potentially momentous change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland that will occur after Brexit is implemented. Mr Justice Humphreys examines, in an even-handed and disinterested manner, the implications of Brexit for the Good Friday Agreement, for human rights and for the question of Irish unity … It is a fascinating, insightful and accessible work.’
Harry McGee, political correspondent, The Irish Times
‘This scholarly but hugely accessible book should be required reading for everyone with an interest in the future of Ireland, north and south. The analysis is hugely insightful and will give politicians and policy makers in Ireland and Britain much to ponder in a post-Brexit world.’
Kevin Rafter, Head of the School of Communications, Dublin City University
‘Mr Justice Humphreys has sought to apply a rigorous even-handed logic in analysing what these issues mean now for the Irish people and the EU … by highlighting [these] misunderstandings with the spirit of logic, he renews our focus towards treating the Agreement as a mandate of the people to make devolution work.’
John Rogers, former Attorney General
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Richard Humphreys is a Judge of the Irish High Court. He is a graduate of UCD and the King’s Inns and holds a PhD in Law from Trinity College Dublin. As a government adviser in 1996 he attended the launch of Multi-Party negotiations in Stormont that ultimately led to the Good Friday Agreement. From 1997 to 2015 he was a practising barrister and in 2015 was appointed to the High Court. This is his third book.
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