Menu
18/04/2019
SF: A United Ireland Is Now A Realistic Prospect
Sinn Fein's Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill has said the prospect of Irish unity is now a very real one.
The Stormont party leader indicated that Brexit was among other "political and societal changes" that are driving many towards the "logic" of Irish unity.
She commented: "Continued divisions on the island of Ireland in 2019 are becoming ever less tenable in the face of national and international events. The prospect of a return to a hard border in Ireland has horrified the vast majority of people and is ensuring a determination that his country should move forward rather than back.
"It is increasingly clear that Partition is a huge obstacle to building a modern, open and forward-looking society with a dynamic economy. I welcome new public conversation that is now underway about Ireland's constitutional future post-Brexit.
"The Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic resolution to the problems caused to Ireland by Brexit - a democratic referendum on Irish reunification."
The Mid-Ulster MLA added that the prospect is no longer a long-term aim for her party: "Sinn Féin is campaigning for a referendum and this week, in advance of Easter we are drawing attention to the fact that it's Time for Unity. We want as many people as possible to begin discussing how we share this island as the future unfolds.
"As part of raising awareness around this extremely important issue, we will beholding a series of events to promote Irish unity.
"I hope this goes some way to engaging more people on the issue, so that together we can build a United Ireland fit for all our people."
Mrs O'Neill's statements come as Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Representatives, uttered a clear commitment to block any trade deal with her country unless the Good Friday Agreement is protected.
Speaking on a political delegation to Ireland, in which she visited border regions and addressed the Oireachtas, the influential politician said: "Let me be clear: if the Brexit deal undermines the Good Friday Accords, there will be no US-UK trade agreement."
(JG/CM)
The Stormont party leader indicated that Brexit was among other "political and societal changes" that are driving many towards the "logic" of Irish unity.
She commented: "Continued divisions on the island of Ireland in 2019 are becoming ever less tenable in the face of national and international events. The prospect of a return to a hard border in Ireland has horrified the vast majority of people and is ensuring a determination that his country should move forward rather than back.
"It is increasingly clear that Partition is a huge obstacle to building a modern, open and forward-looking society with a dynamic economy. I welcome new public conversation that is now underway about Ireland's constitutional future post-Brexit.
"The Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic resolution to the problems caused to Ireland by Brexit - a democratic referendum on Irish reunification."
The Mid-Ulster MLA added that the prospect is no longer a long-term aim for her party: "Sinn Féin is campaigning for a referendum and this week, in advance of Easter we are drawing attention to the fact that it's Time for Unity. We want as many people as possible to begin discussing how we share this island as the future unfolds.
"As part of raising awareness around this extremely important issue, we will beholding a series of events to promote Irish unity.
"I hope this goes some way to engaging more people on the issue, so that together we can build a United Ireland fit for all our people."
Mrs O'Neill's statements come as Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Representatives, uttered a clear commitment to block any trade deal with her country unless the Good Friday Agreement is protected.
Speaking on a political delegation to Ireland, in which she visited border regions and addressed the Oireachtas, the influential politician said: "Let me be clear: if the Brexit deal undermines the Good Friday Accords, there will be no US-UK trade agreement."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 June 2013
Union Support Drops
The proportion of people who wish for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK has dropped from 72% to 63% since 2010. The figure is the lowest since devolution in 2007, especially among Catholics. This was one of the findings of the 2012 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT) published today.
Union Support Drops
The proportion of people who wish for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK has dropped from 72% to 63% since 2010. The figure is the lowest since devolution in 2007, especially among Catholics. This was one of the findings of the 2012 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT) published today.
30 October 2023
The People Of Ireland Will Decide Its Future – SF
The people of Ireland will decide the future of the island in a referendum, as set out in the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said. Mr Finucane was speaking after Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, warned the UK government to not change the terms of a referendum on Irish unity.
The People Of Ireland Will Decide Its Future – SF
The people of Ireland will decide the future of the island in a referendum, as set out in the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said. Mr Finucane was speaking after Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, warned the UK government to not change the terms of a referendum on Irish unity.
02 November 2005
DUP describe SF Irish unity push as 'pipe dream'
The DUP has called Sinn Fein's push for a united Ireland as a "pure pipe dream".
DUP describe SF Irish unity push as 'pipe dream'
The DUP has called Sinn Fein's push for a united Ireland as a "pure pipe dream".
12 April 2023
Sinn Féin Launch 'Making The Case For Irish Unity In The EU' Report
Sinn Féin are to launch a new independent research document, 'Making the Case for Irish Unity in the EU' at a special event in the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin. The party's MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus and Mayo TD, Rose Conway-Walsh, will launch the independent report by Professor Colin Harvey and Mr.
Sinn Féin Launch 'Making The Case For Irish Unity In The EU' Report
Sinn Féin are to launch a new independent research document, 'Making the Case for Irish Unity in the EU' at a special event in the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin. The party's MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus and Mayo TD, Rose Conway-Walsh, will launch the independent report by Professor Colin Harvey and Mr.
10 April 2013
Sinn Féin Renew Border Poll Call
As Sinn Féin begin preparations for this year's Ard Fheis, to be held at Castlebar in County Mayo, the party has used the launch of its agenda to call for a border poll on Irish unity. Newry/Armagh MP Conor Murphy has claimed a single island economy would promote prosperity, jobs and investment.
Sinn Féin Renew Border Poll Call
As Sinn Féin begin preparations for this year's Ard Fheis, to be held at Castlebar in County Mayo, the party has used the launch of its agenda to call for a border poll on Irish unity. Newry/Armagh MP Conor Murphy has claimed a single island economy would promote prosperity, jobs and investment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
