Extended Interview: Peter Robinson

The 'Extended Interview: Peter Robinson' episode from the 'As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & The Good Friday Agreement' podcast features a conversation between former Taoiseach of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, and Peter Robinson, who succeeded the late Reverend Ian Paisley as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and served as First Minister of Northern Ireland. The dialogue delves into the DUP's decision to initially stay out of the Good Friday Agreement talks, the challenges of building trust after the ceasefires, and the complexities of negotiating an agreement amid ongoing skepticism within the Unionist community.

Robinson reflects on the intricate process of political negotiation and the DUP's cautious approach to the talks, influenced by concerns over IRA's commitment to a lasting ceasefire and the lack of decommissioning. The conversation then transitions to the post-referendum period and the start-stop nature of the Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as the DUP's electoral strategy and the eventual acceptance of the need for direct talks with Sinn Féin. Robinson candidly discusses the party's evolving stance on policing reforms, prisoner releases, and the importance of American support in securing Sinn Féin's endorsement of the police service.

The interview also touches on the structural and operational challenges of the newly formed institutions, the slow legislative process, and the civil service's adaptation to political leadership. Ahern and Robinson explore the dynamics of North-South cooperation and the potential for economic collaboration that respects the constitutional status quo. They conclude by discussing the legacy of the Troubles, the difficulty of achieving justice for past crimes, and the personal and political relationship between Robinson and the late Martin McGuinness, former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.