Bremain: McGuinness to meet Taoiseach today to push for island-wide Forum

The proposed National Forum to discuss the impact of the EU referendum should have an island-wide participation, Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Martin McGunness has said.

The Deputy First Minister was speaking ahead of the launch of a billboard campaign, entitled "Let the People of Ireland Decide," taking place at Free Derry Corner at 1.00pm this afternoon.

Sinn Fein will also host a public meeting in the City Hotel at 7.30pm this Wednesday.

Mr McGuinness said; "I will be meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny today at the North South Ministerial Council in Dublin and we will discuss the impact of the EU referendum.

"The people of the North clearly voted to remain in the European Union and that democratic vote must be respected.

"I will be making it clear to the Taoiseach that this is not a done deal and that Sinn Féin will continue to assert the rights of the people of the North of Ireland.

"I welcome the announcement, following a call from Sinn Féin, that a National Forum will be established to discuss the impact of the EU referendum.

"The Forum, similar to the New Ireland Forum and the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, should be open to all political parties on the island.

"It should aim to have island-wide participation and involve the Assembly parties, the Oireachtas, the European Parliament and civic society.”

Mr McGuinness concluded: "The democratic rights of the people of the North must be protected and respected."