Write a commentSinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has challenged the Irish government to convene a forum to begin planning for Irish unity. Mary Lou McDonald was speaking at Saturday's ‘Beyond Brexit’ conference in Belfast saying now is the time to shape change.
“It is irresponsible and arrogant for a Dublin government to shout down any prospect of a unity referendum.
“The responsible thing to do is to play a part in shaping change and engage in the debate that is underway.
“I want to, again, challenge the government in Dublin to convene a forum to begin the planning for Irish unity.”
In her speech the TD commented "While the Brexiteers dream of an Empire long gone, there are those within Unionism with a burning nostalgia for the good old days that never were and a perpetual majority that has ended.
"We have to be straight with each other. The north has changed. The Unionist majority is no more and nationalist strength is growing. Modernity beckons and a more progressive society is emerging.
Continuing the Sinn Féin President said "Ireland, north and south, has great wealth and great resources, and we are blessed with an industrious and innovative population. The wealth of the nation can be shared with the people of the nation. A new Ireland must be a place of equal rights, equal opportunities and shared prosperity. It must have a truly national healthcare system operating to the highest standards, delivering for all on the basis of need and not ability to pay. It must be the Ireland of the helping hand and the safety net. It must be a place for all to call home and it must provide a home for all. A place where we are united in our diversity. Where you can be British, Irish, both or neither."
Ms McDonald added "The Unionist community will not only have a home in Ireland, they will have a place at the table. A place at the centre of political life and not left in the margins of Westminster. The Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist community are part of the diversity of our nation. They are part of the discussion to shape a new Ireland. They are partners in building a new Ireland.
"Our shared, but oft times, troubled history can be reconciled. We are unique and diverse in our traditions, but I believe that together, united, the people of our nation add up to a sum greater than our individual parts. We seek to unite Protestant, Catholic and dissenter. There are no second-class citizens in this land."
