Conclusion

This Conclusion analyses the ultimate achievements—and weaknesses—of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM). It argues that its perceived ‘success’ was masked by the constant opposition it faced in Irish society and in the international political climate until the 1980s. It explains the salience and exceptionalism of the Dunnes Stores strike (1984–1987), as well as how the IAAM helped impact on and transform Irish society. It notes how Asmal enacted the African National Congress’s aim to build a broad-based movement, and that Asmal was simply the Irish enforcer of this project. It describes the ongoing legacy of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Ireland on the pro-Palestinian views present in Irish society and the Palestinian solidarity movement (Asmal had served on an Inquiry chaired by Seán MacBride investigating the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982). Finally, the Conclusion pinpoints that anti-Apartheid activity in Ireland focused on ending Apartheid and anti-racism. The former was achieved, while the latter remains an ongoing political project.