The Anglo-Irish Agreement, also known as the Hillsborough Agreement, was signed on November 15, 1985, by Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister at the time, and Garret FitzGerald, the Irish Taoiseach (prime minister). The agreement marked a historic moment in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, paving the way for greater cooperation and improved political stability.

The Anglo-Irish Agreement aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland, which had been ongoing for decades at that point. The agreement recognized the need for both the Irish and British governments to work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. It also provided a framework for regular consultations between the two governments on matters relating to Northern Ireland.

One of the key provisions of the agreement was that it recognized that the people of Northern Ireland had the right to self-determination. This meant that the future of Northern Ireland would ultimately be decided by its people, rather than by outside forces.

The agreement was met with mixed reactions in Northern Ireland. Unionist politicians and groups were strongly opposed to the agreement, viewing it as a betrayal of their interests. Republican groups, including Sinn Féin, were also critical, arguing that the agreement did not go far enough in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Despite the controversy surrounding the agreement, it represented an important step forward in the peace process in Northern Ireland. The regular consultations between the Irish and British governments provided a crucial channel for dialogue, and paved the way for further negotiations and agreements in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed by Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister, and Garret FitzGerald, the Irish Taoiseach, on November 15, 1985. The agreement aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland and paved the way for greater cooperation and political stability between the two countries. While controversial at the time, the agreement represented an important step forward in the eventual peace process in Northern Ireland.