MP Calls on Irish Government to Plan for Unity at Toronto Easter Commemoration

Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes was in Toronto over Easter and spoke at an Easter Commemoration event in the city.

Speaking at the event, Mr Hughes called on the Irish government to listen to the Irish diaspora and start to plan for Irish unity. “Commemorating Easter overseas allows us to recognise the immense contribution of our great diaspora and to look to the future with hope and optimism as the debate on a new and united Ireland grows.

“Our diaspora has always been and remains a dynamic for change. Those who support the Good Friday Agreement and Irish Unity should work together.  A united Ireland requires a unity of purpose. Together we can secure and win unity referendums.”

Speaking after the commemoration he said: “I have engaged with the Irish diaspora, representatives of the Canadian Trade Union movement and with Friends of Sinn Féin in Canada. Irish unity is the main topic of conversation here. 

“Unfortunately we have a Government in Dublin and a Taoiseach who refuses to plan, prepare or even talk about Irish unity. 

“They are failing to honour an essential element of the Good Friday Agreement and are failing to grasp the historic opportunity to unite Ireland and its people."

The Newry and Armagh MP added “They tell us now is not the time. Over a hundred years on from the British imposing partition with the threat of an immediate and terrible war. Twenty-seven years on from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, when the debate on a new and united Ireland intensifies by the day. Now is precisely the time to realise the dream of Easter week. 

“This is a moment of great optimism and excitement. The discussions are happening now, the conversation is live all over Ireland and further afield. The Irish Government should listen to our diaspora and plan for unity.”