In December 1993, the British and Irish governments produced the Downing Street Declaration which outlined their approach to restoring peace in Northern Ireland.
In the late 1980s, Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP) leader John Hume held secret talks with Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams.
These talks lasted eight months and remained secret until April 1993.
When revealed, they were severely criticised by other parties – and from within the SDLP.
Then, in 1992, Sinn Féin published Towards a Lasting Peace.
This focused on self-determination rather than "armed struggle" and argued Britain should persuade unionists to join a united Ireland.
This wasn’t just wishful thinking.
In November 1990, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Brooke had stated Britain had no ‘selfish strategic or economic interest’ in remaining in Northern Ireland.
Brooke approved the establishment of a private line of communication with the republican leadership.
He also attempted to restart discussions between the main constitutional parties.
