Irish unity to the fore for Sinn Féin's 2016 Ard Fheis

SINN FÉIN says the time is now for an open and honest discussion on Irish reunification as the party launched its Clár for the 2016 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis which takes place in Dublin's Convention Centre this weekend.

Thousands of Sinn Féin delegates and visitors are expected to attend the two day event in the capital which coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the Easter Rising in 1916.

Launching the Clár, Sinn Féin's David Cullinane TD says the party is in buoyant mood on the back of the General Election, which saw it significantly increase its Dáil representation, and facing into Assembly Elections in the North on 5 May:

“We are very much focused on using our mandate wisely and will use every opportunity to raise important issues like housing, childcare, health, Irish reunification and reconciliation,” he said.

Over 120 motions on topics as varied as the Peace Process, the environment, health and internal party matters will be debated and voted on over the weekend.

A number of international speakers will also address the event and a celebratory event to mark 1916 entitled 'Ceiliúradh Céad Bliain' which will feature music, poetry, and drama is also billed.

Asked by one journalist as to whether a motion calling for a Border poll on Irish reunification within the lifetime of the next Government would offend unionists, Sinn Féin Seanad candidate and former Mayor of Belfast Niall Ó Donghaile said:

“We are Irish republicans and unashamedly so. Lets have that broader discussion which has happened in society on other issues such as Marriage Equality. Sinn Féin aren't afraid of discussing the merits of Irish reunification.”

He pointed to recent studies which show that Irish reunification would be economically beneficial to both parts of Ireland:

“Certainly there are broader issues around reconciliation, which are to the fore in the Clár for this Ard Fheis. We also have a proud role in the Uncomfortable Conversations initiative. 

“In the absence of a Border poll we are just going to have conversations and speculation – so lets get the facts out on the table. And if that takes the form of a Border poll well that's part of the Good Friday Agreement and we all voted for that,” he said.

• Sinn Féin's Ard Fheis will kick-off at 6pm on Friday 22 April and the main oration by Party President Gerry Adams TD will be broadcast live at 8.30pm on Saturday on RTÉ Television. The event will also be live-streamed on the Sinn Féin website.