Unionist engagement on constitutional change essential

Declan Kearney MLA (Sinn Féin), who chairs the party’s Commission on the Future of Ireland, has called for Unionist engagement on constitutional change.

Addressing the commission-organised event 'Celebrating Diversity - Ending Division' held in Derry's City Hotel this evening, Mr Kearney, appealed to what he described as "our Protestant neighbours, and Unionist people in our society" to engage in the conversation on constitutional change.

He said: "I would urge those from the Protestant/Unionist section of society, who may already be considering this process of change, or who may hold reservations about reunification, to identify the guarantees and protections which are important to you. 

The audience at the 'Celebrating Diversity - Ending Division' held in Derry's City Hotel this evening.

"Sinn Féin does not own the Irish unity debate. We want it to be inclusive, flexible and genuine. Nor do we claim to have all the answers. That’s why structured dialogue is essential. A genuine and open discussion should be taking place about the principles and reassurances required to underpin a new constitutional settlement on the island.

"That is why the Irish government should establish an all island Citizens' Assembly without further delay. The people should be sovereign. It is they who must self determine our future on this island. Everyone should have their say. No one should be left behind.”

The panel of tonight's 'Celebrating Diversity - Ending Division' - Chair: Joe Martin - Reverend Derry Latimer, Maeve McLaughlin, Denzil McDaniel and Catherine Pollock.

The Chair of the Commission told his Derry audience that Irish unity was not inevitable but everyone was talking about the possibility.

He added: "It [Irish unity] is on the political horizon. The academic and economic modelling and mapping has already begun. Books and research papers on every aspect of the Irish reunification are being published.

"And all of that is being fuelled by demographic change and electoral realignment north and south. In the north, the once permanent unionist electoral majority has gone. In the south, the century old dominance of the two big conservative parties has been eclipsed. 

Declan Kearney, who chairs the Commission on the Future of Ireland.

"Change is in the air. There’s a desire for something new to replace the status quo. And it’s growing in momentum…

"Brexit has put the constitutional status of the north centre stage, and triggered an unprecedented conversation about the future. Many, and including an undefined section of people from Protestant backgrounds, are engaged. Something very profound is happening. The landscape is changing. That was in evidence at the recent Ireland’s Future Ulster Hall gathering. But it is also reflected in the Together UK group launched by Arlene Foster. I think that is a welcome development.

"Admittedly, its stated aim is to counter growing support for constitutional change but all sides need to be heard. It makes sense for proponents and opponents of Irish unity to be engaged with each other in respectful and rational debate," said Declan Kearney.