What were the key provisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty regarding Northern Ireland?

What were the key provisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty regarding Northern Ireland?

The key provisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty regarding Northern Ireland were as follows:

1. Northern Ireland had the option to opt out of the newly formed Irish Free State and remain part of the United Kingdom. This provision was known as the "Ulster Option."

2. A Boundary Commission was established to determine the final borders between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland. The Commission was tasked with considering the wishes of the people in the affected areas, but ultimately, no significant changes were made to the existing border.

3. The Treaty recognized the existence of Northern Ireland as a separate political entity and acknowledged its right to self-government.

4. The Northern Ireland Parliament, known as Stormont, was granted the power to opt out of any future legislation passed by the Irish Free State.

5. The Treaty allowed for the establishment of a Council of Ireland, which would consist of representatives from both the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. However, this provision was never implemented.

Overall, the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty regarding Northern Ireland aimed to address the concerns of the Unionist population in Northern Ireland and provide them with a degree of autonomy and self-determination within the broader context of the Irish Free State.