Fine Gael leader says planning for constitutional change ‘must involve listening to all traditions’
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the party would develop a blueprint for a united Ireland for its ardfheis in November. Photograph: Bairbre Holmes/PA WireHarris made the remark as he delivered a speech at a Fine Gael event to mark the centenary of the birth of Garret FitzGerald in UCD on Sunday.
Harris said the country had to engage “seriously, responsibly and respectfully” with the future of this island in advance of the 30th anniversary of the 1998 Belfast Agreement, which will come during his next tenure as taoiseach. Britain was a saviour for Irish migrants.
One of those sons will captain England next weekTwice as hard to afford a home in Dublin as Belfast, new CSO data shows “We cannot be passive observers to change, nor can we approach questions on the future constitutional status of this island through slogans, sentimentality or simplistic assumptions as some other political parties on this island do,” he said.
“If constitutional change is to happen, it must be prepared for, carefully, honestly and inclusively. ”“Some will suggest this is not the right time. I would strongly refute that.
“That is why today, I am announcing that Fine Gael will develop a new blueprint for a unified island for our ardfheis this November “The work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland engagement group and facilitated by academic Prof Deirdre Heenan. ” The Fine Gael leader said the blueprint would define what a unified Ireland could mean in “practical terms, politically, economically and societally”.
He said it would examine fiscal implications, public services and the “economic opportunities that could arise from unity”, including all-island infrastructure, labour mobility and EU market access.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality. “Fine Gael believes that reconciliation, not triumphalism, persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation. ”Speaking on Sunday, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald responded to the Fine Gael plans saying: “I’m glad to see that at last the Tánaiste is acknowledging the need for preparation for Irish re-unification.
McDonald said the Tánaiste “can put his money where his mouth is and show a seriousness of intent” by supporting proposed legislation Sinn Féin will be bringing to the Dáil for debate before the summer recess. McDonald said Sinn Féin’s legislation will ask the Government to produce a Green Paper on Irish re-unification; to convene an all-island citizens’ assembly; and to give oversight to the Oireachtas in the carrying out of this work.
“This needs to happen and I would challenge Simon Harris now he is acknowledging what we have been saying for a very, very long time, I would say to him well demonstrate your seriousness of intent and your good faith by supporting the Sinn Féin legislation. ”Mark Carney pays tribute to John De Chastelain in Dublin lecture‘Nothing works’: Russians react as intelligence services shut down the internetLATEST STORIESThree sporting events to watch this week: Your handy guide to sport on televisionOur politics team's behind-the-scenes take on events of the day. Sent Monday to Friday when the Dáil is in session
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