Sinn Féin publishes Report of Irish Unity and the all island Economy
10 February 2025
West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley has welcomed the publication of the report of ‘Irish Unity and the all island Economy’ by the Sinn Féin Commission on the Future of Ireland.
The report gives a detailed overview of the conference which was hosted in Canavan’s, Garvaghey, which discussed the impact of partition west of the Bann and the benefits that Irish Unity can bring. The event was chaired by Economist Dr. Anne Devlin and the panel included John O’Dowd MLA, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Pearse Doherty TD and recently elected Seanadóir Conor Murphy.
Commenting on the report which will be distributed to those who participated in the event, Órfhlaith Begley said:
“Partition makes no economic sense. The duplication of government and public service structures imposes unnecessary and additional costs. So too does the imposition of unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses on both sides of the border due to different regulations, currencies and taxation systems North and South.
“The island of Ireland is failing to reach its full potential across a whole range of areas including agriculture, the software development sector, film production, the leveraging of our energy resources, community development and public services.
“Sinn Féin has consistently advanced a clear and evidence-based case for the economic merits of reunification. The impact of partition combined with the disastrous Brexit decision have provided new and compelling evidence to support the merits of Irish Unity.
“Not only is Irish unity affordable, but the economic potential released by reunification will exceed any additional responsibilities arising from unity. What’s more, with the North guaranteed automatic re-entry into the European Union in the event of unity, a strong case exists for additional EU funding.
“The findings of an Irish Times/ARINS poll this week showed that support for Irish unity has grown significantly in the past three years. Attitudes are changing, particularly in the north.
“If we delve deeper into the responses from the poll, we can see that attitudes are changing particularly within the unionist section of our community and I really welcome that. The united Ireland that Sinn Féin wants to build is for everyone, regardless of background or political persuasion.
“Reunification will unlock an economic dividend that would benefit the entire island economy. This is supported by many leading economists.
“It is time for the Irish government to move from a position of discussion to a position of pro-active planning for the unity referendums as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement through the establishment of a truly representative, all-Ireland citizens’ Assembly or Assemblies.”
The report of the event can be viewed here:
