Sinn Féin’s two Donegal TDs have announced that the party’s Commission on the Future of Ireland will be holding a Donegal Peoples’ Assembly in An Grianán Theatre on Monday, January 30.
‘The New Ireland is for Everyone – Have Your Say’ are the main pillars of this Commission.
Submissions to the Assembly and for the report that will be published when the series of meetings have been concluded can be made online now at www.sinnfein.ie/futureofireland.
Registration is also now open for those wishing to attend.
You can register to attend the event by clicking the link here: www.eventbrite.ie/e/donegal-peoples-assembly-on-the-future-of-ireland-tickets-466279493517
Party Chairperson Declan Kearney is the Chair of The Commission. Seanadóir Lynn Boylan is the Deputy Chair.
Pearse Doherty, TD said The Donegal Peoples’ Assembly is a unique opportunity for Donegal citizens to join in the debate about a united Ireland.
“The Ireland’s Future events in Dublin and Belfast are evidence of the growth in interest around constitutional change and Irish Unity.
“Irish Unity is now at the top of the political agenda but it is not inevitable. It needs to be planned for. That means those of us who want Irish Unity planning for it. We must also address the concerns of those who have not yet made up their minds, and are unsure how they would vote in a unity referendum.
“Citizens, regardless of whether they are nationalist or unionist or none of these, want to know what the new Ireland will mean for them and their families. They want answers and reassurance on priorities such as governmental structures, health service provision, jobs and pensions.
“That’s why Sinn Féin believes the Irish government should organise a Citizen’s Assembly where these matters and others can be discussed.
“However, there is also an onus on all of us who support unity to encourage the debate. To reach out to those who oppose unity or who aren’t convinced of its merits.
“The Donegal Peoples’ Assembly is an opportunity for the people of our county to engage in this critical discussion,” he said.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD said a few months ago, the Inishowen Independent published an opinion poll which revealed that 83% of Inishowen residents support a united Ireland.
“Successive opinion polls in recent years have indicated growing support for constitutional change and unity.
“The Donegal Peoples’ Assembly is part of a programme of island wide conferences – under the broad theme of ‘The New Ireland is for Everyone – Have Your Say’ – to which citizens are being invited to have their say on the future of Ireland.
“It is an opportunity for individuals, business and community organisations, language groups, farming organisations, trade unions and others across Donegal to have their say on the future of our island home.
“It extends an open invitation to all citizens and sections of society and the Irish diaspora to submit their views, concerns and aspirations, via participation in the People’s Assemblies or through the online submissions portal which has been developed. The aim of the Commission is to widen democratic participation and to serve as a model of grassroots consultation.
“There will also be Women’s Assemblies, Youth Assemblies and Assemblies in Gaeltacht areas,” he said.
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