People’s Assembly on Irish Unity to be hosted in Armagh

Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has announced that Sinn Féin will be holding a People’s Assembly on Irish Unity in Armagh City in October.

Dáire Hughes said “Constitutional change is now fixed on the political horizon. Conversations about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland are happening across the country and beyond”.

That means those of us who want Irish Unity creating the space for discussion, listening to people’s hopes, aspirations and the concerns of those who have not yet made up their minds about Unity.

"The People’s Assembly will be held in the Armagh City Hotel on 29 October. Mr Hughes said "It is an opportunity for the public to engage in the growing debate on the future shape of the new Ireland." The Assembly is organised under the broad theme of ‘The New Ireland is for Everyone – Have Your Say’.

The Newry & Armagh MP explained “The event is being organised by Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland and will be the 18th such public event to have been held in the last two years.

"People’s Assemblies and sectoral events have been held in Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Louth, Donegal, Fermanagh, West Tyrone, Lurgan and the Gaeltacht in Conamara. All have been very successful.

"There will be a local panel of speakers under an independent chair to discuss the issues and to engage in a conversation with the audience.

"The People’s Assemblies and sectoral events provide an opportunity for people to talk about Irish Unity, their hopes and aspirations, their concerns and the need to engage with people from the northern unionist section of our people.”

The Newry and Armagh MP continued “To be successful Irish Unity needs to be planned for and people naturally want to know what the new Ireland might look like.

"Irish unity has the potential to dramatically improve the economy of our island. A range of economic forecasts have predicted that Irish Unity and an all-island economy will provide the basis for better health and education services, job creation and an enhancement in the standard of living of all citizens”.

Concluding Dáire extended an invitation to everyone whether for or against Irish unity to attend “So on 29 October join us in Armagh for this exciting conversation and help shape the new Ireland – a shared Ireland in which all citizens are treated on the basis of equality and of respect.

"The Assembly is an open invitation to everyone, whether you are for or against Irish Unity, to have your say on constitutional change.”