Government has 'no' Irish unity preparation and must plan says Longford-Westmeath TD
Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke said the Government's position appears to be that no preparation should take place in relation to planning for Irish unity.
A Longford-Westmeath TD has stressed that she believes "the greatest mistake Ireland could make is to refuse to prepare" for Irish unity.
Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke said that in terms of planning for Constitutional Change there is 'an old saying that failing to prepare is preparing to fail'.
"It is advice we instinctively accept in every aspect of life.
"Families plan for their children's future.
"Businesses prepare for changing markets and Governments spend years planning for population growth, climate change and economic uncertainty.
"Yet, when it comes to one of the most significant constitutional questions facing this island, the Government's position appears to be that no preparation should take place at all."
Last week, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs voted against Sinn Féin Irish unity law and it failed to pass in the Dáil.
The party had said the bill would help with "planning and preparation"
Deputy Clarke described the Government's position as 'extraordinary'.
"Whether you support Irish unity, oppose it or remain genuinely undecided, one fact is becoming increasingly difficult to dispute. “
She stated the constitutional conversation is no longer hypothetical and Brexit changed the political landscape.
"Demographic change continues. Public debate has broadened.
"The Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic pathway should the people, North and South, ever choose constitutional change."
Deputy Clarke said none of that means a referendum is imminent, nor does it guarantee any particular outcome.
"It simply means that responsible governments should do what responsible governments always do: prepare.
"Instead, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and their Independents chose to vote against legislation that would begin exactly that process.
"The Planning for Constitutional Change Bill is not a blueprint for a united Ireland. It is not an attempt to force anyone towards a constitutional position.
"It is certainly not an attempt to bypass the principle of consent that sits at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement."
READ NEXT: Holy smokes! Longford Gardaí stop disqualified driver and find €150,000 worth of cigarettes in car
Deputy Clarke it asks for something far more modest.
"It asks that the Government begin gathering the evidence.
"It asks that experts examine the practical implications of constitutional change.
"It asks that citizens have an opportunity to participate in an informed national conversation.
"It asks that the Oireachtas receive regular reports so that debate is guided by facts instead of assumptions.
"That should not be controversial.
"The alternative is to drift into one of the biggest decisions in our history without the information needed to make good choices."