Irish unity debate in Dublin next Saturday to hear voices from unionism and Scottish independence campaign

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘A referendum on a united Ireland is provided for in the Good Friday Agreement’

SINN FÉIN is to host a major public debate on Irish unity in Dublin’s Mansion House next Saturday, 21 January – the anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the First Dáil.

The event will feature:-

·       Kevin Meagher, Special Adviser to Britain’s former Secretary of State for the North, Shaun Woodward;

·       Alex Kane, columnist, commentator and former Communications Director for the Ulster Unionist Party;

·       Brian Feeney, commentator and columnist with the Irish News;

·       Cat Boyd, co-founder of RISE – Scotland’s Left Alliance, and a prominent figure in the Scottish independence referendum campaign;

·       Noel Whelan, political analyst and Irish Times columnist;

·       Susan McKay, author and journalist.

The meeting will also be addressed by:

·       Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams TD;

·       Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD;

·       Health Minister Michelle O’Neill;

·       Matt Carthy MEP.

Announcing details of the conference, Matt Carthy (pictured) said:

“The prospect of the North of Ireland being removed from the EU against the will of its people and a reinforcing of the Border has brought the issue of a united Ireland back onto the political agenda.

“A referendum on a united Ireland is provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

“Sinn Féin believes that there is now an urgent need for an inclusive, constructive debate on the future, including how a united Ireland might be brought about and what it might look like.”

The MEP for the southern Border counties region said that Sinn Féin recently published a discussion document which aims to stimulate debate and to make the case for Irish unity and has called on other parties who claim to support Irish unity to do the same.

“We have asked that people to give our ideas careful consideration, and for a real debate on Irish reunification to begin,” he said.

“As part of this process, Sinn Féin has organised a conference to take place on 21 January in the Mansion House, Dublin, at the venue and on the anniversary of the inaugural sitting of the first Dáil Éireann.

“We have a very interesting line-up of speakers and I anticipate a major attendance from members of the public.

“Last year’s commemorations of the centenary of the 1916 Rising have led to a huge awakening of public interest in the Irish revolutionary period and in what type of Ireland we wish to create for the future.

“It is important that this is constructively built upon. That is what this conference aims to do.”

He said it will be the first in a series of similar meetings around the country and encouraged people to attend the Dublin event as the curtain-raiser for the series of all-Ireland events.