THE passing of a Sinn Féin motion for Donegal County Council to call on the government to prepare for a United Ireland is an important moment, a local councillor has said.
Sinn Féin Councillor for the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Gerry McMonagle was speaking after a motion that he brought to council, and which was seconded by Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray, was passed earlier in the week.
The motion, which received unanimous support, called for Donegal County Council to call on Government to prepare for a United Ireland.
Speaking today, Cllr McMonagle said: “The conversation about a United Ireland is progressing, thanks to the efforts of various groups and initiatives, including Sinn Féin’s Commission, Ireland’s Future, the SDLP’s New Ireland Commission, Gaels le chéile, the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement, and the Shared Island Initiative.
“Donegal County Council this week passed a motion proposed by myself and Seconded by Cllr Jack Murray acknowledging that Irish reunification is an objective of Bunreacht na hÉireann and that there is a growing national discussion about constitutional change.
“The motion also noted that the Good Friday Agreement provides for unity referendums and that the Joint Oireachtas Committee report, ‘Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics,’ recommended establishing Citizen Assemblies and other forums, a designated Joint Oireachtas Committee, and a Government Department for planning constitutional change, all with cross-party support.”
The Council will now write to the Office of An Taoiseach, urging the Irish Government to plan for Irish unity by: Establishing all-island representative Citizens’ Assemblies for informed debate and a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity for careful planning; Producing and publishing a plan for Irish unity in collaboration with civic society and key stakeholders; Engaging with Northern Protestant and unionist opinions regarding Ireland’s future; and working to secure a date for the unity referendums outlined in the Good Friday Agreement.
“It is now time for action,” said Cllr McMonagle.
