The Anglo Irish Agreement, signed on November 1985, committed the UK and Irish Governments to closer co-operation on Northern Irish affairs. Its provisions included a joint ministerial conference of British and Irish ministers which gave the Republic’s government a greater input into Northern affairs. Unionist opposition to the agreement led to a rally at Belfast City Hall in November and forced byelections in early 1986. The slogan ‘Ulster Says No’ appeared on posters, banners and items such as the matchbox on display here.

Label written by Ross Moore from Linen Hall Library.