Uniting Ireland Motions

Uniting Ireland

33. This Ard Fheis believes that a new start is needed in Ireland if we are to change our politics, our economy and our whole society for the better.  It is time to begin the transition towards a united Ireland.

This Ard Fheis further believes that in a time of unprecedented economic difficulties partition makes no economic sense and is a barrier to the creation of jobs and building of prosperity.  There is wasteful duplication in public services; there are two currencies, two tax systems, two social services structures, and two different sets of laws and regulations. All of the people who share this island would benefit from the creation of a vibrant, dynamic all-Ireland economy.

This Ard Fheis commends the work of the party’s Taskforce on Irish Unity in particular the holding of major conferences in Dublin, Cork and London as well as the conferences held by Friends of Sinn Féin in the US and Canada in New York, San Francisco and Toronto.  Dialogue, debate and political action are critical if we are to achieve Irish unity. We must continue to engage with the unionist community about the kind of Ireland we want and their place in a future united Ireland.

This Ard Fheis calls for the practical planning for Irish unity to begin now.  This requires:

-       A Green Paper on Irish Unity to be commissioned by An Taoiseach and published within 12 months.

-       The Irish government to appoint a Minister with specific responsibility to ensure a successful transition towards a united Ireland, including the integration of public services, infrastructure and economic policy, the referendum on Irish unity and negotiations with the British Government and elected representatives from the Six Counties.

-       The process of initiating referenda as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement to be set in train.

-       All Ireland economic planning including the integration of public services and infrastructure on an all-Ireland basis.

Ard Chomhairle

Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair

Murphy/McManus Cumann
Derrylin/Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh

Passed                 Lost                   Referred

34. This Ard Fheis

·       Notes the cost of economic recession and mismanagement is being carried by individuals, families and communities across Ireland.

·       Notes that our citizens deserve an economy that works and delivers for them.

·       Notes that moving out of recession and into economic growth is dependent on developing a competitive economy, maximising trade, investing in infrastructure, employment, education and innovation, research and development.

·       Notes an All-Ireland economy is too small to support two disparate and competing approaches to economic development. 

·       Notes that partition continues to undermine the competitiveness of the All Ireland economy.

·       Recognises the potential to expand the NSMC remit to develop an economy.

·       Calls on the development and implementation of an All-Ireland Plan for Economic Growth and Employment.

·       Such a Plan should include polices and identify  implementation bodies to: 

o   Remove barriers and promote integration across Ireland.

o   Develop and oversee an All-Ireland approach to labour market planning and practice.

o   Develop All-Ireland branding of goods, services and produce.

o   Develop All-Ireland centres of excellence in Innovation, Research and Development.

o   Develop an All-Ireland approach to attracting high value and sustainable Foreign Direct Investment.

o   Develop an All Ireland approach to promote Irish technology, enterprise and produce on a European and global market place.

o   Development of an All-Ireland tourist market.

Ard Chomhairle

Passed                 Lost                   Referred

35. This Ard Fheis recognises that all Ireland trade is increasing despite the Irish Government lagging behind the business community in policy development and implementation. In an effort to reduce costs and increase commerce further this Ard Fheis calls for the harmonisation of all taxes across Ireland, the elimination of border related red tape and legal discrepancies that have the effect of reducing all Ireland business.  

Ard Chomhairle

Passed                 Lost                   Referred

36. This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin to use all resources at its disposal, both internal and state, to identify the cost of the border in terms of the economy, agriculture, energy, the heath service and education.

Doherty/Delaney
Co. Meath

Passed                 Lost                   Referred

37. This Ard Fheis calls for the harmonisation of bank and other public holidays across Ireland.

Murphy/McManus Cumann
Derrylin/Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh