26 March 1998 Edition

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Sinn Féin launch public hearings

By Michael Pierse

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty has announced the holding of a number of public hearings in the coming months entitled ``Our Future - A United Ireland''.

``The aim of these forums is to give the general public an opportunity to become pro-active in shaping the outcome of this phase of the negotiations,.'' he said. Referring to the success of the 1994 Peace Comission, he said that ``since then Sinn Féin have continued with this outreach approach through the organisation of regular public forums, nationally and internationally and also through contact with a wide range of political, community, business and church opinion.''

These objectives were outlined at a press conference last Thursday, also attended by Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin, General Secretary Lucilita Bhreatnach, Ard Comhairle member Councillor Francie Molloy and peace negotiator Annie Armstrong, who will all be panel members at the hearings.

Lucilita Bhreathnach said hearings will be held throughout the country to ensure ``real discussion at grass roots level, urban and rural. There is a wealth of opinion throughout the country which has thus far been excluded from the talks confined to Castle Buildings. Sinn Féin is always open to new views and have regular meetings relating to our peace strategy, the Peace Process and politics in general.'' She implored all parties to ``reach out and tap into the wealth of opinion out there,'' and said she hoped that this commission will play a small part in ``relieving the alienation which many people feel.''

Asked about the frustrating lack of progress which has so-far occurred, Bhreatnach responded that ``people involved in community work, trying to improve their lives and the lives of their people must have their voices heard'' and that ``a fully inclusive process needs to involve as many people as possible to bring about the type of Ireland we all want.''

The first hearing of the commission will occur in the Writer's Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin on 28 March. The second, for the North West region, will be held in the Firtrees Hotel, Strabane on 4 April. Further hearings will take place in Cork City on 25 April and Dungannon on 2 May.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland