Brian Lenihan's Presidential campaign runs into trouble as a taped conversation is made public. In order to stay in power, Charles Haughey sacks Brian Lenihan.

A new candidate challenges the old order. On 9 November 1990, Mary Robinson is elected President.

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Watch: Mary Robinson elected - RTÉ News reports on 9 November 1990 (via RTÉ Archives)

After 1,597 days as a hostage in Beirut, Brian Keenan is reunited with his family. He travels home to Belfast.

Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich dies while on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Bishop Cahal Daly becomes Primate of All Ireland.

After forty-five years of division, East and West Germany are reunified.

South Africa: Nelson Mandela is freed after twenty-six years in jail.

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Nelson Mandela comes to Ireland - RTÉ News reports on 1 July 1990 (via RTÉ Archives)

On RTÉ, Nighthawks brings announcer Blaithin Keaveney to the nation.

Blaithin Keaveney

The Channel Tunnel: French and British workers join up under the sea in the latest link to Europe's transport network.

Ireland gets ready for its first-ever World Cup Finals.

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Watch: Irish fans fly to Italy: RTÉ News reports on 1 July 1990 (via RTÉ Archives)

Monday 11 June: Ireland draw 1-1 with England. A lacklustre draw with Egypt follows. Ireland v. Holland: A third drawn game puts Ireland through to the second round.

Ireland v. Romania, Monday 25 June. Ireland qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals. The nation celebrates.

Saturday 30 June: Ireland lose 1-0 to Italy. The World Cup is eventually won by West Germany.

On 1 July, the Irish team returns to Dublin.

1990: The Irish football squad

Kuwait, 2 August 1990: Iraq invades and annexes its neighbour. Saddam Hussein defies international demands to pull his forces back out of Kuwait.

Saddam takes Western hostages as 'human shields'. The United Nations imposes an economic blockade on Iraq.

Arab and Western countries assemble a huge military force. The threat of war looms.

The IRA uses 'proxy bombs' to attack border posts. Civilian drivers are forced to carry bombs in their cars. IRA members then detonate the bombs by remote control. A civilian driver and six soldiers are killed.

Cork's hurlers beat Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. Cork's footballers then complete a remarkable GAA double. Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy travel to Cork.

1990: Margaret Thatcher leaves Number 10

Margaret Thatcher fights to stay on as Tory party leader. After Michael Heseltine's challenge fails, John Major emerges as the victor.

28 November 1990: Margaret Thatcher steps down as British Prime Minister.

1990: The Playlist:

EMF - Unbelievable

Something Happens - Hello, Hello, Hello...

The Charlatans - The Only One I Know

Enigma - Sadness Part One

Happy Mondays - Step On

Liam Harrison/Goal Celebrities - Give It A Lash, Jack

Jack Charlton and the Ireland team - Put 'Em Under Pressure

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Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma

The LA's - There She Goes

The B52's - Roam

Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U

Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know

The Saw Doctors - I Useta Lover