1 April 1999 Edition
Call for Six-County representation in the Oireachtas
Deputy Caoimhghín O Caoláin has described as ``positive and constructive,'' the meeting between a Sinn Féin delegation and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution in Dublin Thursday, 25 March The delegation was there to discuss Sinn Féin's submission to the Committee calling for representation for citizens in the Six Counties in the Oireachtas and voting rights in presidential elections and referenda.
The Sinn Féin delegation consisted of party President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams, Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and party chairperson and Foyle Assembly member Mitchel McLaughlin.
Deputy Ó Caoláin said after the meeting:
``This was a very positive engagement. It was a constructive meeting and we look forward to progress on this important issue.
``Sinn Féin has put Six-County representation in the Oireachtas on the political agenda. We did so at the time of the Good Friday Agreement and the All-Party Committee has been considering the issue for the past year. Now is the time to make headway and we urged the Committee to make a positive and progressive report to the government, fully recognising in principle and in practice the need for citizens in the Six Counties to be accorded representation and recommending legislative action to bring this about.
``The onus is on the Irish government to take this step to give all our citizens a full share in the political life of this island.''
The Sinn Féin delegation consisted of party President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams, Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and party chairperson and Foyle Assembly member Mitchel McLaughlin.
Deputy Ó Caoláin said after the meeting:
``This was a very positive engagement. It was a constructive meeting and we look forward to progress on this important issue.
``Sinn Féin has put Six-County representation in the Oireachtas on the political agenda. We did so at the time of the Good Friday Agreement and the All-Party Committee has been considering the issue for the past year. Now is the time to make headway and we urged the Committee to make a positive and progressive report to the government, fully recognising in principle and in practice the need for citizens in the Six Counties to be accorded representation and recommending legislative action to bring this about.
``The onus is on the Irish government to take this step to give all our citizens a full share in the political life of this island.''