Northern Ireland Peace Process
Robert was Prime Minister Tony Blair’s senior civil service adviser on the Northern Ireland peace process during a crucial phase in securing a lasting peace. He was responsible for negotiations with the political parties, the armed paramilitary groups, and liaison with the US and Irish governments.
Robert is the only official to be singled out in Tony Blair’s autobiography and he features in several accounts of the peace process, including ‘Great Hatred, Little Room’, by Jonathan Powell, Blair’s Chief of Staff .
“Robert was absolutely pivotal to getting the job done.”
Tony Blair and Robert Hannigan in the Cabinet Room, 10 Downing Street