People's Assembly discusses pathway to a new Ireland

Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland hosted a People’s Assembly in the Armagh City Hotel on Tuesday night 29 October.

Addressing the packed event, Sinn Féin National Party Chairperson Declan Kearney said: “The level of discussion on constitutional change is remarkable. There is now an unprecedented cross-party political consensus on the need to plan and prepare for Irish unity.

“Indeed, important sections of international opinion recognise that the potential for constitutional change is now on the political horizon. During his visit to Ireland weeks ago, the South African Deputy President became the first significant global leader to publicly endorse the achievement of Irish unity."

Speakers on the night included:

• Darragh Mackin who chaired the event, is a lawyer specialising in Human Rights, Public Law, Litigation and International law.

• Sinead Hughes has worked in the health service for over 32 years with diverse experiences across a broad range of settings. Sinead is a dedicated advocate for equality and social justice.

• Ian Marshall is currently Head of Business Development and Policy in the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) in Queens University Belfast. He is a former President of the Ulster Farmers Union and member of the Agri-Food Strategy Board.

• Dr Anne Devlin is a Research Officer in the Economic Analysis Division of the ESRI. She has been involved in research projects examining various aspects of the all-island economy.

Continuing Kearney said the pathway to a new Ireland should be incremental and phased “We will set out our plan in the forthcoming Irish general election along with practical steps to achieve unity."

According to Kearney steps would include the establishment of a reunification unit within Roinn an Taoisigh, Appointment of a Minister of State for reunification, Publication of a Green Paper on constitutional change within the first 100 days of a new government term and Convening a Citizens’ Assembly on our constitutional future.

He concluded “Irish unity has become the defining issue for our generation. We can be the authors of a new future. One that is positive, progressive, inclusive, anti-sectarian, and multicultural.”