The 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement will take place this Easter Monday, an agreement that has been described as a remarkable achievement that brought peace to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, a former Sinn Fein representative who represented the Cavan/Monaghan constituency was elected to the Dáil at a time that coincided with the Good Friday Agreement and was part of negotiations at that time.
Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show he said it is "important" to remember everything that has taken place and the "significant development" that the Good Friday Agreement brought.
Although his memories consist of the "intense" level of negotiations that took place, he says he also looks back with fondness due to the support and faith that the people of Cavan and Monaghan instilled in him during a "difficult time."
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said it was "important" for him to demonstrate the reality of an alternative world for people, compared to what they had experienced before the agreement. 25 years on, he believes that "peace" is still the only pathway forward.
Meanwhile, Monaghan journalist Michael Fisher covered the Northern Ireland conflict for many years, especially during the height of the troubles.
Speaking on today's Joe Finnegan Show, he believes politicians of today certainly have a lot to the live up to. He revealed that there is people out there who are still not committed to the peace process, particularly in relation to how unionists view the new Windsor Framework.
Despite this, he said it was "encouraging" to see the latest efforts of the British and Irish Governments in relation to the latest Brexit deal. He added that he is "hopeful" that politicians do take the right pathway forward, especially when things have improved for the better - 25 years on.
