Taoiseach wrong on Irish Unity – Matt Carthy TD

Speaking at an Easter Rising Commemoration in Portlaw, County Waterford, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Matt Carthy TD, said that An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was wrong to rule out a border poll this decade.

Deputy Carthy said Irish Unity would deliver a better, fairer, stronger country, and finally deliver the vision of the leaders of 1916 for Ireland to be a truly free and independent nation.

Teachta Carthy said:

“As we remember all those who fought for Irish freedom, we also remember what they fought for.

“For Ireland to be a nation once again – strong, free, independent, united. An Ireland that provides for the needs of all of its people and gives everyone the opportunity to achieve their potential.

“This is a time of hope, of optimism, of opportunity and of possibility. Everything that previous generations have fought for is now within reach, and yet we have a Taoiseach who tells us that now is not the time for Irish Unity.

“But the Taoiseach is wrong. And he will be proven wrong.

“Ireland will be United. We will have a referendum on Irish Unity. And we will win a referendum on Irish Unity.

“Ireland will soon be an example to nation states across the globe that still struggle for independence and for freedom. A living example that from struggle there is progress and freedom.

“We will harness everything that is good about the Irish people, no matter what their upbringing or background, in working together to build a better, fairer, strong country.

“Together we will take the skills, the creativity, the sense of community and solidarity and we will build a country that we can be even more proud of – a United Ireland with strong public services, a fair distribution of wealth, supporting workers, families, communities. Investing in public goods, in infrastructure, in our regions, towns and villages.

“An Ireland that is strong, independent and neutral. Not dragged along in the militarisation and war mongering of other states or cowed to speak out in defence of those persecuted across the world. Not following the whims or ideologies that are tearing other countries apart. Not bowing down to corporate interests or millionaires, or those in other states pushing their own agendas.

“Rather a proud nation governed by the people, for the people. Recognising that nationalism, nation states and republicanism are a force of positivity and progress, solidarity and strength.

“With the skills, ability and determination of the people of this country we can do so much better than the governments that we have had. We don’t have to settle for second best – not in our public services, not in health, not in education, not in housing, not in the partition of our country. It is time to build a better, fairer, stronger country. It’s time for a United Ireland.”