1998

In 1998, Ireland saw significant changes and events. TV3 launched in September, and a scandal hit the National Irish Bank over improper customer charges. Car-clamping began in Dublin, and the economy boomed, with unemployment dropping and foreign investment rising. Bill Clinton faced a major scandal over an alleged affair, while historic peace talks at Stormont led to the Good Friday Agreement, which saw overwhelming support in the Republic and mixed reactions in the North. Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London. In sports, Ireland had a memorable year, with soccer teams winning European championships, while tragedy struck in Omagh, where a bomb killed 29 people. Ireland also hosted the Tour de France and saw political protests over police pay.