Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss the current dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, regarding access through the Lachin Corridor.
Senator Gavan is Vice President of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
He was appointed Rapporteur by the Committee on March 23rd last to investigate the issue of free and safe access through the Lachin Corridor.
Senator Gavan said:
“I want to thank Prime Minister Pashinyan for taking the time to present his views on the current situation to me.
"My aim is to establish the facts regarding whether there is free and safe access through the Lachin Corridor and, if required, to make recommendations as to what steps are needed by both states.
"The Armenian Government has maintained that there has been a blockade preventing access through the Lachin Corridor, which is the only open communication route between the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia since December 2022.
"They have also alleged that the Armenian community living in that region, which lies within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan, has had gas and electricity cut off for most of the same period.
"Azerbaijan has denied these claims and alleged systematic and large scale misuse of the Lachin road for illicit purposes which it claims constitute security threats.
"On April 23rd last The Republic of Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint at the beginning of the Lachin Corridor. This unilateral action by Azerbaijan has taken place amidst increasing tensions around the issue of access through the Corridor.
"The open and safe access to this Corridor was established and agreed in the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia to end the 44 day war between the two States.
"I intend to present my report at the upcoming June session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe."
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has described footage of a fight at a Ballymoney train station as ‘shocking and horrific’ and appealed for people to bring information forward to the police.
The North Antrim MLA said:
“Footage circulating on social media of crowds of people fighting at a train station in Ballymoney is shocking and deeply concerning.
“The horrific scenes in this footage have resulted in a teenager being taken to hospital and a number of others injured.
“There is no place for this type of activity, and people using public transport at the time were badly shaken up.
“I have spoken with the PSNI this morning and made it clear that all steps must be taken to ensure this isn’t repeated and those responsible are held accountable in the courts.
“Anyone with information on this incident should bring it forward to the police.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the proposed budget cuts for Special Educational Needs support is ‘deeply concerning’ and another consequence of immoral Tory budget cuts.
The party’s education spokesperson said:
“It’s deeply concerning that funding for Special Educational Needs support for schools across the north is set to be slashed in half.
“Children with special educational needs require the highest level of support in our schools to ensure they have the best start in life.
“This is yet another consequence of immoral and indefensible Tory cuts that has decimated our public services and is punishing vulnerable children.
“It is also a consequence of one party’s refusal to form an Executive that is preventing any steps being taken to support public services from the irreparable damage being inflicted on us from savage Tory policies.
“We need the Executive restored now and all parties working together around the table to offset the harm being done by the Tory axe to health, education and other public services.”
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the series of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council sponsored events marking the 225thAnniversary of the Battle of Antrim and providing an opportunity to more fully understand the Rising by the United Irishmen and women in 1798.
Speaking after attending the re-enactment of the Battle of Antrim in the grounds of the Castle Gardens, the South Antrim MLA said;
“I very much welcome the 225th Battle of Antrim Anniversary events sponsored by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, including the re-enactment of the battle itself, and a series of historical tours exploring key battle sites, and the role of leading United Irishmen and women, including Henry Joy McCracken, and local figures James Hope, William Orr and Roddy MacCorley.
“This programme of events has provided a special opportunity for our community to become more acquainted with, and educated on the background of the Society of United Irishmen and its objectives; and, in particular, the founding values of Irish republicanism, of anti-sectarianism, equality, national independence, and the unity of Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.
“These timeless ideals and the vision of a new Ireland remain even more relevant today. They provide a powerful backdrop for our society 25 years on from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and as we continue to grapple with the challenges of ending division and inequality, and securing respect and civil liberties for all.
“This coming period needs to be one of real hope and optimism. The most recent election delivered a resounding message that the electorate wants political progress. Our power sharing institutions need to be re-established to properly serve the needs of all citizens. Looking forward we should take inspiration from the United Irish legacy of 1798.
“I commend everyone involved in organising these events and look forward to this seminal historical period being reflected in a permanent public resource for the people of South Antrim.”
First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill is travelling to Washington on Monday morning to meet with senior US officials and members of Congress to update them on the current political situation in the north.
Michelle O’Neill will urge the US to continue to press the British Prime Minister during his visit this week to prioritise restoration of the Assembly and Executive and progress the working of the Good Friday Agreement.
Speaking ahead of her visit to Washington, Michelle O’Neill said the British government’s wait and see approach to the continued DUP boycott of the Assembly and Executive was lax, complacent and irresponsible. Their approach was undermining the operation of the Good Friday Agreement. She said:
“I am travelling to Washington this week to meet with senior US officials and politicians on Capitol Hill to update them on the current situation in the north following the outcome of the recent historic council elections.
“The public have now spoken in two elections over the last year.
“They have sent a clear signal they want parties working together around the Executive table delivering for all. They want the Good Friday Agreement implemented.
“They want an Executive investing in health and public services, supporting workers, families and businesses through the cost of living crisis and maximising the economic opportunities of our unique access to two of the largest markets in the world.
“The continuing refusal by one party to form an Executive is hampering progress. It is resulting in public services being left at the mercy of savage and heartless Tory cuts from London and those who work in them being denied fair pay rises.
“The British government’s response to this boycott of our political institutions is lax, complacent and irresponsible. There is no sense of urgency. It has stalled the operation of the Good Friday Agreement and is leading to political drift. That must stop.
“The United States has been a key partner for peace in Ireland for decades, and steadfast supporters of the Good Friday Agreement and I value that continued commitment.
“We will be urging the US Administration to impress on the British Prime Minister during his visit to Washington this week to start working with their partners in the Irish government to prioritise restoration and the full implementation of the Agreements without any more delay. There is an onus on the two governments to realise the promise and potential of the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions.
“The negotiation between London and Brussels on the protocol is done. The elections are over. The public have sent a clear signal. And it’s now time for government to be formed and to seize the enormous economic opportunities now open to us which was highlighted by President Biden during his historic visit to Ireland.
“Sinn Féin is ready to start that work today. I will once again set out my absolute determination to be a First Minister for All, and to co-operate and work with the other parties to support workers and families. It is what people want and deserve.
“The British government by its inaction cannot give the DUP a veto over the operation of the Good Friday Agreement. The governments must act in partnership to realise the opportunities for progress, prosperity and reconciliation. There can simply be no more delays.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said the health service urgently needs an Executive formed to address the worsening crisis in our health service.
Speaking after a meeting with representatives from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), the party’s health spokesperson said:
“It is clear from listening to GP representatives that the situation across our GP services and health and social care is worsening.
“Our health service and our health workers are burnt out and under huge pressure from short staffing and working long hours.
“Over 12 years of savage Tory cuts have decimated our health service and stripped money out of already underfunded and understaffed frontline services.
“Health workers need political leadership. They need an Executive formed immediately to fix the problems in our health service and to invest extra money to hire more doctors and nurses.
“The real priority for now is for all parties to get back around the Executive table and work together to prevent a collapse in our health service. Our health workers don’t have the luxury to wait any longer they are crying out for political leadership.”
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said the British government’s legacy bill remains fundamentally flawed, irredeemable, and should be scrapped.
Speaking after meeting British Lord Johnathon Caine, Gerry Kelly said:
“Despite fundamental opposition from victims, relatives, governments, human rights experts and the UN it is clear the British government will push ahead with a number of amendments to their flawed Legacy Bill on Wednesday 21 June
“The amendments being put forward are a cynical attempt to gloss over the fundamental flaws of the Legacy Bill which is designed to deny victims and families their basic legal rights.
“I expressed concern around appointments being made to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery when the clear intent of this bill is to halt all access to inquests, investigations,or civil actions. In this context such political appointments will not command the confidence of families of the victims.
“Also, the lack of adequate financial resources is limiting the capacity of the PSNI Disclosure Team, the Police Ombudsman and the Coroner’s Court to complete current legal processes. Restricting resources is clearly limiting the rights of victims to basic legal process.
“I am once again reiterating Sinn Féin’s call for an urgent summit involving the British and Irish governments and political parties on the issue of legacy.
“The present Legacy Bill being pushed through Westminster should be scrapped.
“The legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in 2014 should be implemented in a human rights compliant manner, without delay.”
MacManus welcomes strong EU Parliament call for collective bargaining rights for workers
Sinn Féin Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus has spoken in the European Parliament backing calls for workers in Ireland and across the EU to get full collective bargaining rights. A resolution backed by the Parliament insists on this right being brought into reality across the EU.
MacManus said:
“I strongly welcome the Parliament’s insistence on the need for workers to have the right to avail of collective bargaining. In Ireland, this right has long been denied. The need for collective bargaining to be protected by legislation has never been greater.”
“The High-Level Group on Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations has done some good work but it must translate into strong legislation for workers’ rights. Recently passed EU rules will force the Irish government to put in place a framework to achieve at least 80% coverage for collective bargaining. It is clear though that workers must keep up the pressure to make sure concrete rules are actually brought into force. I will be working closely with Louise O’Reilly TD to make sure this happens.”
MacManus concluded, “Only by giving workers the tools to bargain for themselves can they have a chance of living decent and happy lives.” ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said that a lack of planning and severe mismanagement by the trust has brought a number of services to near collapse.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“Daisy Hill is a vital part of our Health service and both the Southern Trust and the Department of Health must make it their highest priority to retain acute care services at the hospital now and into the future.
“The lack of planning by the Trust has seen an alarming number of consultants leave their posts, putting services and patient safety in a precarious position.
“I have engaged with the permanent secretary for Health and I will be seeking further meetings to emphasise that there can be no collapse in services at Daisy Hill.
“Any collapse in local services will see pressure heaped on other hospitals across the north who are already under intense pressure.
"The current crisis has shown that the Southern Health Trust has been disingenuous and misleading in their engagement with those of us who have sought over a period of time to work constructively with the Trust to ensure Daisy Hill Hospital continues to meet the health needs of the community in the area. This is deeply concerning and undermines public confidence in the Trust.
“This also undermines the recent positive developments secured for the Hospital, including the elective surgical hub, which would help tackle waiting lists.
“These failures have also generated more negative PR around the Hospital which will make it more difficult to recruit staff to replace those lost by the Trust.
South Down MLA Sinead Ennis added:
“Communities in the Mournes and across South Down rely on Daisy Hill as their closest acute Hospital for stroke treatment and other emergency treatments.
“Sinn Féin is committed to protecting Daisy Hill and we are ready to work with everyone to achieve this.
“We need an Executive formed now so that all parties can come together with locally elected ministers to begin to tackle the crises facing our Health Service.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has condemned those responsible for painting racist graffiti in Coleraine and Portrush.
The East Derry MLA said:
“I totally condemn those responsible for painting racist graffiti in Coleraine and Portrush.
“This is a despicable attempt to create fear and stir up hate.
“There is no place for racist displays and those behind it do not represent the people of Coleraine, Portrush or the north coast and I would like to thank Council for their speedy action to remove the offensive graffiti.
“Sinn Féin is committed to building a society based on equal rights and equal opportunities for all who live here.
“We want to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive society for all.”
Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland has announced plans to host a ‘Belfast Women’s Assembly’ which will take place in the Europa Hotel on Tuesday 27th June at 7pm.
This will be the fifth public meeting hosted by Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland. ‘The New Ireland is for Everyone – Have Your Say’, are the main pillars of the project. The main address at the meeting will be given by Seanadóir Lynn Boylan, vice Chair of the Commission.
Aisling Reilly MLA is encouraging women from the greater Belfast area to register now for the event.
Speaking this week the West Belfast MLA said:
“Today increasing numbers of citizens are realising the absurdity of partition and looking for change.
“Irish Unity is now very possible; but reunification is not inevitable. It needs to be planned for. That means those of us who want Irish Unity must plan systematically for its achievement.
“Importantly we must address the concerns of those who have not yet made up their minds, and are unsure how they would vote in a unity referendum; including those citizens who may even intend voting against Irish unity.
“Whether you are a member of a community group, a women’s group, a campaigning organisation, political party or charity, or just want to share your views on Ireland’s future; your voice is important and we welcome you to have your say.
“Despite the pivotal role women have played over the course of Irish history, too often their voices have not been heard.
“In the new Ireland women must have an equal place in society. That is the spirit in which we hold the Belfast Women’s Assembly.
“We are delighted that the event will be chaired by Eilish Rooney, Academic and member of the Constitutional Conversations Group.
“Sinn Féin believes the new Ireland should be about ambition, sustainable and decent jobs, with fair pay and conditions. It should be a world leader in climate protection, educational opportunity, and citizens’ rights. These are the discussions we all need to be having, and the Belfast Women’s Assembly aims to create a forum for such grassroots engagement.
“A letter of invitation from Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald TD was issued this week to hundreds of individuals, organisations, community groups and businesses across Belfast encouraging participation and there has already been significant interest in the event.
“This is a women only event and childcare is available on request. You can register to attend via Eventbrite: https://belfast_womens_assembly.eventbrite.ie
“In addition to the People’s Assemblies and sectoral events, the Commission is asking everyone who is interested to make a written contribution. Written contributions can be made through the dedicated Commission on the Future of Ireland page on the Sinn Féin website - www.sinnfein.ie/futureofireland, alternatively you can email your views to [email protected]”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, today called on the government to urgently change tack in its efforts to address the climate crisis.
Speaking following the release Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest predictions, the Meath East TD said:
“Ireland should not be missing emissions targets. We have enviable access to renewable resources. The problem is we have a government that is incapable of delivering on anything.
“On every issue, from housing to health to emissions, we have a government that sets targets that it is incapable of meeting.
“We need to be ambitious. We need to have deliverable plans to reduce emissions. And we need to support people to play their part as the vast majority of people want to do.
“The problem is that on top of their failures to meet targets, this government has also focused on penalising people whose financial circumstances prevent them from retrofitting their homes or moving to electric cars rather than on facilitating and enabling people to make these changes.
“By failing to take measures to crack down on the super wealthy who contribute proportionally far more emissions than the average person including through the continued use of private jets they have created a sense of unfairness that undermines efforts to reduce emissions.
“The EPA’s latest predictions paint a very worrying picture. In the third year of our first carbon budget, we are on course to cut our emissions by just 29%, rather than the 51% we are committed to at home and the 42% we are legally bound to at the EU level.
“Ireland is way behind where we need to be. We are falling short almost all across the board. This government must acknowledge that their plan is not working, that it lacks the scale and ambition to deliver and that a new approach is urgently needed.
“In Sinn Féin, we are ready to deliver change, to bring about a genuinely just transition that ensures no one is left behind as we address the challenge that confronts us.
“We need to rapidly upscale our transition towards renewables, to unleash the opportunity that Ireland has to become a world leader in this sector. And it is essential that the benefits are shared equitably, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.
“Massive planning delays put all projects in jeopardy and we need to urgently address these problems.
“Sinn Féin has also called for the dividends policies of our semi-states to be revised, to increase the level of reinvestment into renewable energy in this decade.
“This would enable them to capture a greater share of overall new green energy production, improving our energy security and positioning these companies to return dividends to the taxpayer from green energy generation into the future.
“This Climate Action Plan is heavy on additional charges for motorists, but light on detail when it comes to more buses, trains and trams. Increasing the cost of transport does not work if the alternatives are not there. Instead of front-loading investment in sustainable transport, the government has prioritised punitive charges.
“Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget called for a €200m injection in public transport next year to help reduce emissions, by cutting fares, investing in new rail infrastructure, accelerating the rollout of rural bus services and making public transport safer and more accessible.
“The government’s retrofitting scheme needs a complete overhaul. Most people cannot afford to retrofit their home. The government’s plan fails to address this. It is socially regressive, deeply inequitable, and inadequately targeted and regulated.
“This government cannot treat this as business as usual and they cannot spin their way out of this. They must urgently change tack.”
MacManus slams Irish government housing record in EU Speech
Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus has slammed the government’s record in a speech to the European Parliament.
Speaking to Parliament, MacManus highlighted the high number of short-term lets in the West and North-West compared to long-term lets.
MacManus said:
“According to new data, there are substantially more short-term holiday lets available in Ireland, than long-term lets.”
“Galway has nearly 20 times more short-term options than long term, while Donegal has 47 times more.”
“Successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments are pushing our young people away from a future in Ireland.”
“How can we turn the tide of our young people leaving our shores when we can´t even provide them with a home of their own?”
“When I see the abundance of holiday homes available, I have to ask myself - does our current government view the west of Ireland as anything more than just a holiday destination, for them to spend a weekend retreat? A playground for those with second and third homes whilst others go homeless?”
MacManus concluded by calling for action to help alleviate the difficulties young people are facing when it comes to housing. “It's time for action, not just words, let’s secure our youth's future.” ENDS/CRÌOCH
Below: Chris MacManus MEP addresses the European Parliament to highlight the Irish Government's housing failures
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister McConalogue to explain to sheep farmers why they are being refused supports under the Brexit Adjustment Fund (BAR).
Minister McConalogue has previously stated that funds could not be drawn from the BAR to provide supports for the sheep sector due to issues around meeting eligibility criteria for the fund.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“I have raised the crisis facing sheep farmers with the Minister several times and as to why the sheep sector does not qualify for much-needed funding under the BAR.
“He has previously stated that his Department have examined the issue and there is no clear link to the sector being affected by Brexit, which is a qualifying criteria for the payment.
“In the last week alone we’ve seen funding under BAR announced for the Organics Sector, which is welcome. However, it raises further questions as to why Sheep Farmers have been locked out.
“I have spoken with farmers and farm organisations who have cited Brexit as a factor in the crisis facing the sheep sector.
“It is clear the sheep sector urgently needs support and the BAR remains a viable fund to take that much-needed funding from.
"I am calling on the Minister to explain what specifically has been looked at in terms of using the BAR for the Sheep sector by his Department and where he is finding a blockage in using the BAR. He should also publish any work that has been undertaken on this by his Department.
“The Minister has repeatedly said if there are ideas on how the BAR could be accessed for Sheep farmers, he wants to hear it. If he means this then he should sit down with the farm organisations and find a way.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said news that cuts to youth services and early years will not go ahead is a ‘relief’ to many families and communities.
The party’s education spokesperson said:
“News that cuts to youth services and other important projects like SureStart and the Pathway Fund will not go ahead is a huge relief today for families and communities.
“These projects are a lifeline to many and crucial to children’s development in the early stages of life, particularly young people in disadvantaged areas and it’s absolutely paramount that they are protected.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome step, but we now need to see an end to cruel and heartless cuts to other services.
“Children and young people are bearing the brunt of Tory austerity and one party’s refusal to form an Executive.
"We need the Assembly and Executive back up and running with no more delays and parties working together to support workers and families facing cruel Tory cuts."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has criticised Government following the release of waiting list figures for primary care psychology services, which show a huge increase under this Government.
18,622 people are waiting on primary care psychology services as of April 2023. This was at 10,466 when the Government took office in 2020 - a 78% increase.
Teachta Ward said:
“Waiting lists for mental health services are only going one way under this Government, and that is up.
“When this Government took office, 10,466 people were waiting for a first-time primary care psychology appointment.
“This now stands at 18,622, which is a 78% increase.
“15,698 of those waiting are young people below the age of 18. This is up from 8,893 in 2020, a 77% increase during the lifetime of this Government.
“What is shocking is the nearly 6,000 young people waiting longer than a year mental health supports.
“Having one child waiting over a year for vital mental health services is not good enough, but having 6,000 is a systemic failure by this Government.
“Primary care psychology provides services for people who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties or mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
“We have seen the number of young people waiting on specialist CAMHS appointments rising almost every month with close to 4,500 waiting.
“Minister Butler is quick to cite an increase in referrals as reason to why we have an increase in those waiting for CAMHS but she fails to recognise it is the absolute failure to resource our primary services that is leading to the pressures on CAMHS.
“If young people get the care they need at primary care level, then they are less likely to need the more acute services of CAMHS.
“Young people are being let down at every stage of mental health care and are being left behind by Government.
“Behind every waiting list figure is a young person with hopes and dreams, and they are being denied their right to reach their full potential.
“What we need now is a change of Government. We need Sinn Féin Ministers for Health and Mental Health that will prioritise early intervention in mental health and delivering services in a timely manner.”
First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has congratulated Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents and all who have campaigned to deliver an opt-out organ donation system.
Speaking as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect today, Michelle O’Neill said:
“This is an historic day as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect, with all adults in the north now considered organ donors unless they choose to opt out.
“Today belongs to little Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents Máirtín and Seph, and all who have campaigned tirelessly to get this life saving law over the line.
“You never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many people on the organ donation waiting list.
“This is an example of the real change that can be delivered when parties work together in the Assembly and Executive to better people’s lives and drive forward progressive legislation.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has condemned the shooting of a man on the Antrim Road tonight.
The North Belfast MLA said:
“I condemn the shooting of a man on the Antrim Road tonight.
“There is no place for guns on our streets.
“This reckless attack has caused disruption for residents tonight and left people living in the nearby flats traumatised.
“Anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Former Uachtarán Shinn Féin Gerry Adams speaking at this evening’s Ireland’s Future event in Queen’s University called on the Irish government to establish a Citizen’s Assembly and that it should agree with the British government a firm date for the unity referendum provided for by the Good Friday Agreement.
“I am not suggesting that this should take place immediately but the Irish Government should seek a date now which allows for inclusive preparation to begin. And that preparatory work should start now.”
Mr Adams also addressed the place of unionists in the new Ireland; “It is important that unionists are involved in shaping this”.
In his remarks Mr Adams said:
“The recent local government election demonstrates that huge change is happening as we speak, and more change is on its way. It is important that unionists are involved in shaping this.
Let it be very clear unionists have a place of right in the new Ireland.
And we want them to be part of what we collectively create.
Change is happening as we speak, and more change is on its way. It is important that unionists are involved in shaping this. Let it be very clear unionists have a place of right in the new Ireland. And we want them to be part of what we collectively create.
The unionist population and its political representatives working with the rest of us on this island is the surest guarantee that their cultural identity – British and unionist – will prosper and be protected in a new and independent Ireland. The safeguards that are in the Good Friday Agreement with respect to identity, cultural and language rights will continue in a new Ireland.
The DUP should take its place with the other parties in the executive. Working with the unionists in the Assembly and the other parties and independents is also part of working toward a new agreed Ireland.
But let’s be clear we have our work cut out for us. We know at this point that the British and Irish governments are against constitutional change and against the referendums. So, are the unionist parties. There are many different reasons for this.
For example, the British government is a unionist government. And the Irish government is worried about a national realignment of politics in which the establishment parties will lose their dominance.
Notwithstanding this our efforts in the time ahead must focus on challenging the Irish and British governments with the demand for the setting of a date for the referendums.
We must also encourage the governments and the Irish government in particular to prepare for the unity referendums and for a successful outcome.
The Irish government has chosen at this time to reject any proposals – including the establishment of a Citizen’s or series of Citizens' Assemblies – to facilitate discussion and to plan for the future.
We must remind Dublin again and again and again that the Good Friday Agreement created a mechanism for constitutional change through referendums. It was overwhelmingly endorsed by the people in referendums North and South.
The Irish government has a constitutional obligation, and it is also a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement - to prepare for unity. So, that means the Irish government should establish a Citizens’ Assembly to begin the work of planning.
It should agree with the British government a firm date for the unity referendum provided for by the Good Friday Agreement.
I am not suggesting that this should take place immediately but the Irish Government should seek a date now which allows for inclusive preparation to begin. And that preparatory work should start now.
The Irish people have the right to self-determination. We have the right to determine our own future, without outside interference, peacefully and democratically. That is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement.”
