'Planning for unity must start now': Trump’s comments prompt Limerick TD's call for Government action
Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan says the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning for Irish unity
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s declaration that a united Ireland is inevitable has prompted a call from a Limerick TD for the Government to begin planning for reunification.
Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan commented:
“As an Irish republican, I have and will continue, to be an advocate for a united Ireland. My core political belief is that this island will be best served as a united entity.
“So, while I disagree strongly with the policies and behaviours of the current US President, I do welcome these comments from him.
“The conversation on Irish unity has shifted, and the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning,” explained Deputy Quinlivan. “We have secured peace, and as we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement our national journey is now reunification, which is organised, planned and a peaceful transition.
“The planning for unity must start now. To that end, Sinn Féin in June introduced legislation in the Dáil that would have compelled the Taoiseach to get the planning for the constitutional change underway. It would have established a green paper with the government setting out its ideas and vision in crucial areas such as health, education, the economy and public service. The bill also allowed for the creation of a Citizen’s Assembly that would bring together sectors and people from across Ireland, including unionists, to consider these matters,” said Deputy Quinlivan.
“It was extremely disappointing to see a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach oppose such legislation. It is astonishing and a pretty sad state of affairs that a political party that self-styles itself “The Republican Party” would oppose sensible legislation that seeks to advance the planning for Irish unity.
“I think that while the US President’s comments reflect a broader US sentiment on the issue of unifying Ireland, the onus remains on the Irish government to progress this issue,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“Also today is an historic moment as the leaders of Sinn Féin, the SNP and Plaid Cymru came together to stand up for the interests of our nations and their right to independence.
“For the first time in history, three nationalist and pro-independence First Ministers now hold office.
Deputy Quinlivan concluded: “Today is a powerful testament to the enormous change, hope and opportunity of the times we are living through.
“Irish Unity will happen we need to make sure we plan for it so we can deliver a better Ireland for everyone.”