Topic I concerns the ongoing Irish-British tensions since the 12th century. The Anglo-Norman Invasion of Ireland led to a divided Ireland controlled by the Normans and English. Independence movements in Ireland date back to the Tudor conquest, the Desmond Rebellions, and the Williamite War, fueled by religious and land tensions. A third Irish rebellion attempt failed, which led to the era of Irish-British Unification in which the underlying tensions remained. In the 1910s, the push for Home Rule in Ireland culminated in the 1914 Government of Ireland Act, suspended due to World War I. Despite valiant efforts by Irish unionists and nationalists during the war, no compromise was reached, and the breakaway Irish Volunteers' demand for independence led to the 1916 Easter Rising, marking the onset of the ongoing Irish Revolutionary period. Delegates must address the issues posed to aid in the Irish’s fight for independence.

The “Irish Problem” emerged when Ireland and Great Britain combined in 1801, which further deepened the religious differences between the two nations. Multiple problems were faced with the Home Rule Bills by the British House of Commons which were to grant Ireland autotomy. Groups such as the Orange Order and the Ulster Volunteers both blocked/opposed the Home Rule Bill each time it was introduced. The current status of this issue sees that some members of parliament want to exclude Ulster from the Home Rule Bill in order to subdue any violence and maintain it as a part of Britain, whilst others refuse compromise. The Buckingham Palace Conference offered no viable solution for either side; finally, a few options for the issue were presented, such as giving the North a dominion-style relationship with Britain, or to form a referendum and place power in the hands of the people.

Skylar Schuetze, a senior, can’t wait to be a co-chair for the Republic of Ireland 1919 Committee. This is her fourth year in Model UN at Maggie Walker and her first year chairing, previously participating as a member of the Moody Middle School Model UN. Outside of Model UN, Skylar is a dancer, swimmer, and a member of Maggie Walker’s We the People team. She is looking forward to meeting all of you and having a great GSMUN XXVI!

Darby French, a senior, is ecstatic to serve as one of your co-chairs for the Republic of Ireland 1919 committee. This is her second year part of GSMUN, and her first year as a committee chair. In addition to GSMUN, Darby loves hanging out with her three sisters and biking on trails. She is very eager to meet you all and is looking forward to making GSMUN XXVI the best year yet!