Sinn Féin spokesperson on workers’ rights Jemma Dolan MLA has called for EU labour standards to be protected fully in the next phase of the Brexit negotiations.
The Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA said:
“It is clear that that the limited guarantees obtained for workers in the Irish Protocol need to be copper-fastened and advanced through the negotiations on the future relationship.
"Rights including equal pay for women, maternity leave, agency worker protection and health and safety legislation have all been created and advanced through EU Regulations. It is essential that these are not eroded by a British Government which is insistent on creating a low wage economy.
"An erosion of working rights will impact not only workers, but also our economy, as it would deter skilled workers from across the EU and across our island from seeking work here in the North.
"Sinn Féin will continue to press for working rights to be safeguarded so that workers in the North will not be left behind.”
Sinn Féin Director of Elections Pearse Doherty has welcomed the decision by RTÉ to extend an invite to Mary Lou McDonald to take part in tomorrow’s Prime Time leaders' debate.
He has confirmed that Mary Lou McDonald will accept the invitation.
He said:
"I want to welcome the decision by RTÉ to extend an invite to Mary Lou McDonald to take part in tomorrow’s party leaders’ debate on Prime Time, and I am happy to confirm that Mary Lou will be participating.
"That being said, this should not have come down to a last minute decision on the part of RTÉ.
"Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil wanted this election to be about them, but this election was never about two parties with no real policy differences, who have effectively been in government together for the last four years. Neither of them represent change.
"This election is about the Irish people and our future.
"Sinn Féin are the real voice of change in this election and are the only party that is committed to giving workers and families a break.
"In the final days of the election campaign, I am appealing to voters to come out on Saturday and vote for Sinn Féin".
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has said Sinn Féin is effectively binning the bedroom tax in the north.
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing and poverty said:
"I welcome today's announcement from my party colleague and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey of an extension to mitigations to the bedroom tax beyond March 2020.
"Sinn Féin fought for and secured a unique package of protections for people in the north and Minister Hargey has today extended those protections.
“This announcement by Deirdre Hargey means that the bedroom tax has been effectively binned protecting 38,000 households.
“The bedroom tax is an unfair and unjust Tory policy designed to punish the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
"Sinn Féin in government will work to protect those most in need and stand up for workers and families.
“The minister has also pledged to bring forward measures to protect large families from the benefit cap and Sinn Féin will continue to look at further protections in the time ahead to ensure we protect the most disadvantaged."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald had said Brexit must not be allowed to damage scientific research and that the concerns of the scientific community must be heard.
The party’s climate and economy spokesperson was speaking after representatives of university, research and science groups across Europe issued a statement calling for universities in Britain and the north to have 'full association' with European research projects after Brexit.
Caoimhe Archibald said:
"This is a challenging time for universities and the research sector with the implications of Brexit as yet not fully clear and there is huge concern for the scientific community in terms of research collaborations and funding.
“The education and research sector currently benefit from EU funding, not just research funding, but also the structural funds which have been an enabler for research and innovation and collaborations with other universities.
“Mobility of staff and students and potential immigration requirements and access to the Erasmus plus programme are issues of concern as is the potential for northern students to be treated as international students to attend universities in EU states including south of the border.
"Freedom of movement is essential to keep the brightest scientific talent travelling to Britain and the north to study and work.
“In order to protect the future of science and research in the north, it is essential that universities continue to access to EU funding streams.
“Sinn Féin will continue to highlight all these issues and keep the rights of citizens here centre stage in the next phase of the Brexit process.”
Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion has said that a National Autism Empowerment Strategy must be made a priority for all those elected to the next Dail.
The Carlow/Kilkenny general election candidate said:
“The development of a national strategy must be made an absolute priority for all TDs and political parties entering the 33rd Dail. This past week has been challenging for autistic people. Serious issues have been highlighted in the media and a national conversation has started about what needs to urgently change for the autistic community.
“However, the issues affecting autistic children and adults and deep frustrations are long standing. They haven't just cropped up this week. Families, children and adults have been battling for years for basic rights and entitlements. Children face lengthy waiting lists for assessments and struggle to locate appropriate school places. Autistic adults face huge gaps in the provision of crucial services, particularly for finding work, securing social welfare, and living independently. This is totally unacceptable and has got to change.
“Sinn Fein has been advocating for the autistic community for many years and will continue to do so in the next Dail. In April 2019 I along with my party colleagues introduced the motion calling for Autism Empowerment Strategy to Dail Eireann on World Autism Day. This was a considered piece of work done in conjunction with advocacy groups and members of the autistic community.
“The motion set out a clear framework towards finally delivering an Autism Empowerment Strategy for Ireland and for the setting up of an all-party Oireachtas committee which would be mandated with producing an Autism Empowerment Strategy within six months.
“Even though the motion was passed receiving strong cross party support at the time, the committee was never established. Quite simply, it was not a priority for the previous government.
“In Government Sinn Fein will introduce and Autism Empowerment Act. We will prioritise the establishment of the Oireachtas Committee on Autism. We will get to work immediately to develop a strategy underpinning it with corresponding legislation. All this must be done working along side the various advocacy groups, parents and autistic individuals directly. Their involvement is key.
“Only yesterday, a large public meeting was organised by 150 parents teachers in Firhouse Co. Dublin pleading for more supports for autistic children in their community. The State is failing these children and their families with children’s hours and days cut due to a lack of services and resources. Many children do not attend school at all as a result. This is a national scandal.
“The failure to make diagnoses in adequate time for school applications, the lack of autism spectrum classes and places available for autistic children is a denial of a child’s right to education. These factors have created a two-tier system within our education system.
“We need to find solutions to the barriers facing autistic children gaining places in schools and address the fundamental issues as to why schools are reluctant to open ASC classes. Our schools must be resourced adequately to provide equally for all children who attend - with or without additional needs. The development of an actionable strategy is crucial to this.”
Note to editor: Sinn Fein has signed the AsIAm General Election 2020 pledge.
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said the Stormont House Agreement must be implemented in full.
Michelle O’Neill was speaking after DUP leader Arlene Foster suggested in an interview this morning revisiting the agreement her party signed up to.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“The British and Irish governments and the political parties, including the DUP, signed up to the Stormont House Agreement to ensure that victims of the conflict could get full disclosure about the killings of their loved ones.
“That agreement must be implemented in full, including the mechanisms for dealing with the legacy of the conflict, and cannot be cherry picked by the British government or the DUP.
“The British government has been resiling from the commitments it made at Stormont House and has delayed implementing the agreement for more than five years, further delaying truth and justice to the victims and their families.
“That is unacceptable.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with the British Secretary of State Julian Smith as I have serious concerns about proposed legislation on victims’ pensions and continued attempts to put British soldiers who murdered Irish citizens above the law.
“The British government appears intent on excluding large sections of our society from accessing pensions and support.
“There is also a very clear attempt to create a hierarchy of victims and to move away from the legal definition of a victim as outlined in the 2006 Victims and Survivors Order.
“These proposals have caused great hurt over recent days.
“The British government needs to implement its commitments in full in a human rights compliant manner.”
Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney has welcomed confirmation that long awaited improvement works for the Wood Street development in Randalstown are due to start.
Declan Kearney said;
“I am very pleased to have received confirmation that a programme of outstanding development works for Wood Street in Randalstown are now to be undertaken in the coming weeks and months.
“I have been in regular contact with the local Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Development Control Office in response to concerns raised with me by residents of Wood Street, after the original developer went into administration.
“I can now confirm that DfI Roads has taken over responsibility for these works under an Article 11 Enforcement, and that NI Water has also been on site to complete relevant repairs.
“Officials have informed me that a street lighting system will be installed. However, this will require a new NIE connection, a process which I am advised may take up to eight weeks once DfI approve the funding for the required work.
“This week I asked for reassurance from DfI that the finance for this scheme is being processed. Once confirmed I will then seek to have NIE's brief expedited. When these electrical works are completed final surfacing will commence, followed by a road adoption by DfI.
“I want to thank the Department for its cooperation in addressing my representations on behalf of the residents of Wood Street. These local people have had to endure an absolutely unfair experience, after taking possession of their homes in good faith. I hope the planned improvement works will finally bring about a proper resolution to this situation.”
Speaking from Carlow this afternoon, where she was campaigning with Sinn Féin candidate Kathleen Funchion TD, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said that her party will legislate to return the age of eligibility for a State pension to 65 within the first 100 days of being in government.
She said that "Sinn Féin is the only party that will guarantee a State pension at 65".
She said:
"This afternoon I am publishing legislation that Sinn Féin will introduce in the first 100 days of being in government - the Right to Retire at 65 Bill.
"Publishing this Bill illustrates how serious we are about this issue.
"We have the legislation here. Ready to go.
"Other parties have fudged and skirted around this issue.
"Sinn Féin are clear and unequivocal.
"We are the only party that will guarantee the right to a State pension at 65.
"No ifs. No buts.
"People are entitled to dignity and respect in retirement, and a State pension at 65 - if they so choose.
"That is what is fair, just and in line with the values of the vast majority of the Irish people."
ENDS
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and north Roscommon, Martin Kenny has strongly criticised cuts to local transport services in Leitrim which are having an adverse effect on elderly people and those with disabilities. He said the cuts amounted to an attack on the most vulnerable members of society.
Martin Kenny said:
“Since its establishment, the Local Link transport service has offered a new life to people in rural Leitrim, allowing them to access medical appointments, carry out financial transactions and go to social events, in a way that would have been impossible without the service.
“It has now emerged that under the new operators, routes are now up for tender and this may result in cuts to so-called ‘non viable’ routes.
“Any withdrawal of Local Link services is unacceptable and any services that have been cut should be restored.
“Meanwhile I have had representations from a constituent whose daughter uses a bus solely for individuals with a disability which brings passengers door-to-door. This was a free service until recently.
“Now I believe the HSE have withdrawn 10% subsidy to the fare, which is being taken from service users. This cost is crippling some of these vulnerable individuals.
“People using this service have their own travel pass but this is not accepted.
“Meanwhile, elderly people travelling to day centres are now also subject to the same charge.
“On top of this it has emerged that the Social Car Scheme, which has operated a service bringing elderly and sick people to hospital appointments, has been discontinued.
“All of this amounts to nothing short of an attack on the most vulnerable in society. It is unacceptable and wrong and I will be raising this issue with the National Transport Authority and the HSE.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson has been selected for co-option to the Assembly to replace Raymond McCartney as an MLA for Foyle.
Speaking after a selection convention in Derry this morning, Martina Anderson said:
"I am proud and honoured to have been selected at today's selection convention in Derry to be co-opted onto the Assembly as an MLA for Foyle.
"I want to pay tribute to Raymond McCartney for the first class leadership he has shown in this city for many years. His dedication to serving the people of Foyle has always been an inspiration.
"I have been chosen to join the Assembly at a time of great challenge with the onset of Brexit and the Tories dragging the north out of the EU against the will of the people and the challenge of holding the British government to account on living up to its commitments.
"It is also a time of opportunity with the growing conversation on Irish Unity and people's demand for a new and better Ireland.
"I want to represent everyone in Foyle and to stand up for Derry to make sure this city continues to move forward to reach its full potential.
"I look forward to working alongside Karen Mullan and the Sinn Féin Assembly team in the time ahead."
Sinn Féin Director of Elections Pearse Doherty has said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have resorted to desperation tactics in the final weekend before the general election, trying to outdo themselves in attacking Sinn Féin.
He said:
"We are a week out from polling day, and instead of discussing how to solve the housing crisis or how to give workers and families a break, Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar are squabbling like children trying to outdo themselves in attacking Sinn Féin.
"They are under the cosh and resorting to desperation tactics.
"I think they need to grow up.
"They have spent this campaign making a whole lot of noise but not a whole lot of sense.
"Sinn Féin will give workers and families a break, and are offering up real solutions.
"Today, we are publishing the first piece of legislation we would introduce in government - to guarantee your right to a pension at 65.
"People know exactly what the establishment parties will do in government - more of the same.
"Sinn Féin will deliver real change. I'm saying to people; give Sinn Féin a chance and judge us on how we perform."
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has welcomed today’s High Court ruling in favour of the widow of murdered human rights lawyer Pat Finucane and called for a full inquiry into the killing.
“Today’s ruling in the High Court in which Geraldine Finucane, widow of murdered human rights lawyer, Pat Finucane, has won the right to challenge the British government over its failures to adequately investigate the killing is welcome.
“It has now been ruled that the British government’s delays in this case were unlawful.
“There have been too many delays already and the Finucane family should not have to wait any longer.
“The British government must live up to its commitments and human rights obligations and establish a full inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
“We will continue to stand by the family of Pat Finucane in their campaign for truth and justice.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action David Cullinane has slammed Fianna Fáil’s position on the Carbon Tax as one ‘that will hit workers and families at a time when they need a break’.
He said:
“At a time when there are very little alternatives available to ordinary workers and families in respect of home heating and transport, Fianna Fáil have committed to levying an extra €640 million in additional Carbon Taxes on workers, families, farms and businesses over the next five years.
“This measure will hit workers and families at a time when they need a break.
“This tax increase is unfair, will not reduce emissions and will not change behaviour.
“It is the wrong approach and it is little wonder because Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and even the Green Party, are wedded to the wrong approach on this.
“Climate change has to be tackled by changing behaviour and providing alternatives, not hitting workers and families."
Sinn Féin Director of Elections Pearse Doherty has accused Fianna Fáil of spinning desperately after Dara Calleary falsely accused Mary Lou McDonald of pulling out of a debate with Micheál Martin.
Doherty said Mary Lou has not pulled out of any debate.
Speaking today he said;
“Fianna Fáil have spent the last week spinning. First of all they were spinning about the lack of detail in their manifesto, then they were spinning about Sinn Féin’s manifesto, and now they are desperately spinning that Mary Lou McDonald has pulled out of a debate with their leader Micheál Martin which is not true.
“The truth is that Mary Lou was the first to indicate her willingness to do this debate subject to the logistics being agreed.
“Unfortunately, the other parties took their time getting back to the programme.
“Eventually, having been embarrassed by a news report, Micheál Martin agreed to do the debate on Monday 3rd of February.
“However, the programme said that they would have to let it go at that stage.
“The reality is that Mary Lou, with her message of giving workers and families a break, has already beaten Micheál Martin in two debate. She does not fear another.”
“I am happy to see that Today FM have clarified this matter this evening.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has accused the British government of acting in bad faith on the issue of pensions for victims and survivors of the conflict and said the proposals have left many victims shocked and deeply disappointed.
Linda Dillon said:
“The British government have clearly acted in bad faith briefing the media before meeting with the parties and the victims’ groups who have been involved in long negotiations with the government on the sensitive issue of pensions.
“They have also resiled from another commitment in their New Decade, New Approach document by providing no resources to fund the pensions.
“We have not yet seen the actual legislation being proposed by the British government on pensions for people who were seriously injured, physically or psychologically, in the conflict. However what we have been told today is unacceptable.
“These proposals have left victims shocked and deeply disappointed as the British government had built up an expectation that pensions for victims was going to dealt with in a way which was human rights compliant and in line with the legal definition of a victim.
“The British Government seems once again to be more intent on imposing its narrative of the conflict on people who deserve this pension.
“This is an attempt to create a hierarchy of victims and this partisan approach to dealing with the legacy of the conflict is unacceptable.
“Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has written to the British Secretary of State to raise her concerns about the issue and to seek an urgent meeting.”
Address by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald to the Institute of International and European Affairs; Friday, 31st January 2020
‘Ireland and the EU after Brexit: A View from Sinn Féin’
"Having Sinn Féin Ministers in government, north and south, is the best way to protect Ireland's interests in the next phase of Brexit negotiations, and as we move toward a unity referendum."
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Go raibh maith agaibh.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you here at the Institute today.
I am grateful for the welcome and for the opportunity to speak on ‘Ireland and the EU after Brexit’ and to give a Sinn Féin perspective on the challenges we face as an island, now and in the time ahead.
Today marks the end of an era.
Britain leaves the European Union after forty-seven years of membership; having joined with Ireland back in 1973.
No Member State has ever left the EU before now.
So, we are in unprecedented times.
I have always said that if the British people wish to leave the EU, we wish them well.
That is their choice.
However, it has to be said that the narrow self-serving agenda of some leading Brexiteers has not only has not only divided British public and political opinion, but has economic implications and challenges for us all.
That being said, it would be reckless to ignore the very real problems with the European Union that drove so many British people to a Leave position.
The European project is far from perfect.
Too many ordinary working people feel that the EU does not work for them, but against them.
There is a view that the EU has strayed from the orginal vision of a community of nations, working in partnership and solidary, for the greater well-being of citizens.
The privatisation agenda, growing federalism and the eroding of State sovereignty, as well the push for a militarised EU, are all issues that have left European citizens alienated from the EU.
This has created a distrust of European policymakers.
That is not good for the future of the European Union; which I truly believe can be a powerful force for good in the world – and can improve the lives of workers and families in every State.
We have to change direction.
We have to put citizens first.
There is a growing momentum amongst progressive political movements to achieve this change of direction.
I believe that Ireland, particularly in a post-Brexit era, can be to the fore in shaping this new direction.
A social European Union is possible – one where economic equality, democracy and sovereignty; accountability and a commitment to peace and demilitarisation are embraced as strengths.
A European Union that stands as a genuine beacon for justice and acts with purpose when human rights are attacked - whether that is internationally - or within the EU itself, as we have seen in Catalonia.
Brexit should be seen as catalyst for positive change in the EU.
A watershed.
A new departure.
There is onus on EU decision makers not to stick their heads in the sand.
There is onus to seize the moment.
The European Union will only thrive on the basis of inclusivity, respect for nationhood and crucially on the basis of delivering real, tangible benefits for citizens.
I am confident that we can achieve such a European Union.
But we have to be up for it.
We have to truly want it.
I believe that Ireland’s future is best served within this reformed European Union.
All of Ireland, north and south.
A United Ireland.
Last week the five main parties in the northern Assembly refused to give consent to the British government to legislate on its behalf in relation to Brexit.
It is no surprise that this objection is shared by our colleagues in the Scottish and Welsh administrations, who also refused to give their consent to similar requests made by the British government.
Brexit is not an orange or green issue.
The majority of parties [Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Greens], and a majority of MLAs and MPs in the North continue to oppose Brexit.
Neither the people, nor their political representatives, have consented to the North leaving the EU today.
People who consider themselves to be Irish, British, both or neither, will lose practical benefits and entitlements.
There is a justifiable anger about this.
The European Union has been a partner for peace in Ireland.
It has provided substantial political and financial aid that has led to greater economic and social progress on an all-island basis.
The negotiation and implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has been facilitated by both the Irish and British governments membership of the EU, and the Peace Process has benefitted from that.
While the Good Friday Agreement does not expressly require either Ireland or Britain to retain membership of the European Union, the Agreement clearly assumes continued membership of the EU by both States.
The Brexit referendum campaign in 2016 did not take account of Ireland, or the unintended consequences for the political, social and economic progress of the past twenty-two years.
Consequently, the border in Ireland became a key part of Brexit negotiations.
While we now have a Withdrawal Agreement, a revised Political Declaration and an Irish protocol that mitigates the worst excesses of Brexit, let us be clear - there is no good version of Brexit for Ireland, North or South.
I do not intend to rehearse the last three years.
But I do want to say that, while our party’s our objective is the reunification of Ireland, we developed a policy and worked hard to make the case for designated special status for the North within the EU since 2016.
I am all too aware that our political opponents - particularly in the heat of an election campaign - will ignore this, however it is important and fair to say that we worked constructively with the Irish government and pro-remain parties in common cause in defence of our shared interests.
It was Sinn Féin that secured cross-party consensus in the Dáil in February 2017 for the special status position.
The fundamental areas we have worked hard to secure include;
- Safeguarding the peace process and protecting the Good Friday Agreement;
- No customs checks or tariffs on this island;
- Continued access to both the Single Market and Customs Union;
- Preservation of the North/South and East/West elements of the Agreement which are critical to co-operation, better integration and public service provision;
- Stopping any unionist veto at Stormont;
- Securing the citizenship provisions core to the Good Friday Agreement, which recognise the birth right of all the people of the North to identify themselves, and be accepted, as Irish or British or both, as they may so choose.
We will continue to work with all parties to maximise benefits that are in our national interests in terms of the future relationship.
Boris Johnson’s assertion that he will not extend the transition period give us cause for concern.
Negotiating a future relationship in eleven months is a tight timeline and represents a risk of ‘no-deal’.
We must avoid this.
Because we must prevent barriers to trade and commerce.
Our objective is to avoid slowing business down or putting the cost of doing business up; East/West or North/South.
And we do not want consumers paying the price.
If the British government and the EU reach December 2020 without a deal, the Withdrawal Agreement will still be in force.
However, if no extension is requested by Boris Johnson, then this means we are back to a crash out scenario and default to World Trade Organization rules.
The provisions for avoiding a hard border through the protocol on the island of Ireland must come into effect.
There cannot - and will not - be any land border on this island.
Failure to comply with the Withdrawal Agreement could see the European Commission begin infringement proceedings against the British government at the European Court of Justice.
The Protocol affirms that the Good Friday Agreement should be protected in all its parts.
Sinn Féin and the other parties in the northern Executive and Assembly will ensure that the British government and the EU lives up to these those commitments and responsibilities throughout negotiations.
We now have a restored power-sharing government and a fully functioning Assembly, North/South Ministerial Council, and British-Irish Council.
These institutional arrangements must continue to operate with much more vigour going forward than they did before.
Although Sinn Féin and the DUP are fundamentally at odds on Brexit, Michelle O’Neill and Arlene Foster as joint heads of government in the North are determined, along with the other parties in the Executive, to work together in common cause to face the Brexit challenge.
On the day that the new Assembly sat earlier this month, Michelle O’Neill said;
“This is a defining moment for politics.
“From today, the parties undertake to cooperate in every way we can in order to rebuild public trust and confidence in the Assembly and the Executive.
“Our mission must be to deliver on health, education and jobs for everyone across the whole community.
Michelle went on to acknowledge that while people across the North - of course - want restored government to deliver good public services, the political landscape of the island is changing, and that cannot be ignored.
Because there is now a conversation on Irish unity underway across this island.
There is no contradiction in declaring and delivering on our firm commitment to power sharing with unionism, while also initiating a mature, inclusive debate about new political arrangements that examine Ireland’s future beyond Brexit.
There is equally no contradiction for unionism to work within existing constitutional arrangements, and taking its place in the conversation about what a New Ireland will look like.
A clear choice has opened up.
It is a choice between a narrow, inward-looking vision of Brexit Britain or an open, inclusive vision of a New Ireland.
It is no longer a question of if - it is a question of when - a referendum on Irish unity will be held.
In April 2017 you will recall that the EU made an important declaration.
They said that in the event of Irish reunification the North would automatically re-join the EU as part of a United Ireland.
So, for many people from all traditions and backgrounds Irish unity is seen as the best way to stay within the EU.
Many of those of a British or unionist identity are now considering the merits of reunification;
Not to become Republicans, but to remain European.
This is backed up by the unprecedented number of people applying for Irish passports.
People are acting in their own interests, and are coming to the conclusion that their interests are best served in a New Ireland that is part of the EU.
Sinn Féin is fully invested and committed to the Good Friday Agreement’s political framework.
The commitment to a referendum on a united Ireland is within this Agreement.
It cannot be cherry-picked.
I am not proposing - despite what some may suggest - that we hold a referendum tomorrow, or next month.
I have set out very clearly and consistency that I believe that a five-year timeframe is realistic and sensible.
I have also said that we must start planning now.
Because the simple reality is that Brexit has exposed the failure and undemocratic nature of partition.
It is a political problem that requires a political solution.
Over the past number of elections in the north the notion of a perpetual unionist majority - the very basis of partition - has disappeared.
Demographic shifts are evident.
A public conversation in now underway on the constitutional future of the whole island.
The issue of Irish Unity has taken on a new dynamic because of Brexit.
Political momentum is moving in that direction.
Sinn Féin wants a new and agreed Ireland.
However, Sinn Féin does not own this debate.
Everyone is being challenged to rethink their economic futures.
Citizens are looking to see where their best interests are served.
The people of this island should have a choice between Brexit and reunification.
So, in government I will seek to begin such preparatory work, in parallel with civil society conversations that are now well underway.
We need to consider how we help our neighbours from a British, unionist identity into this conversation without surrendering that identity or allegiance.
The New Ireland I want is not for nationalists and republicans alone, but for everyone who shares this island and everyone must feel that they belong.
In considering this, we should remember that the north would be uniting with a pre-existing State within the EU - where Article 3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann anticipates reunification, and in the context of an international agreement that guarantees continuity of protections; as laid out in the Good Friday Agreement.
It is clear that the building of a new, agreed Ireland will require the participation and co-operation of all the people of Ireland.
In particular, it is evident that an Irish government must commit themselves to this objective.
I will do this.
The British government also has a duty to join in developing the necessary process that will recognise this reality and give effect to the requirements as agreed in the Good Friday Agreement, and to make the required investment of political will and resources.
I believe that the incoming government must enter into discussions with the British government in order to create the framework and atmosphere necessary for this purpose.
It will be necessary for negotiation and discussion to take place prior to a referendum, because we must avoid a repeat of all the mistakes we witnessed in Britain.
In government, Sinn Féin will press for such engagement.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference is a mechanism to facilitate this discussion.
The Conference - as you are aware - was set up under the Good Friday Agreement to promote bilateral co-operation between both governments.
Costing reunification and carrying out an examination of new political arrangements - fully respecting obligations and commitments under the Good Friday Agreement - is also crucial.
This should include implementing outstanding commitments under the Agreement in advance of a referendum.
I would seek to establish a national forum to carry this necessary engagement and consultation.
We would also establish a Constitution Unit within government, with responsibility for North/South relations, political dialogue and negotiation, planning and preparation for a referendum on Irish unity.
When an Irish unity referendum is secured - and won - there must also be a period of preparation and transition for the island of Ireland to become a reunified State.
This period between a referendum and reunification will see further negotiations between Dublin, London, and importantly the European Union.
The governments - as agreed in the Good Friday Agreement - are committed to work together constructively in light of the outcome of the referendum in the best interests of the people of the island of Ireland.
Following a vote for reunification, agreements will be needed between the Irish and Westminster governments, setting the parameters for Ireland’s transition to reunification.
These will set out the precise reunification timetable.
There are ways in which the EU can ensure that the transition to Irish unity, and maintaining membership of the EU, are supported.
That could start now by affording observe status to northern MEPs.
It will also, in my view, require an all-Ireland party to play an active role in these discussions.
Having Sinn Féin Ministers in government, north and south, is the best way to protect Ireland's interests in the next phase of Brexit negotiations, and as we move toward a unity referendum.
The Good Friday Agreement gives people the opportunity and choice to decide our future together.
Brexit is a threat to Ireland’s future political stability and economic prosperity.
These challenges require new thinking and a radical and innovative response to forge a new relationship.
During the course of this decade, we are marking the centenaries of key, seminal events that have shaped modern Irish history over the past century and have defined our relationship with Britain during this time.
A relationship characterised by colonialism, rebellion, partition and political division, and over the past twenty-two years by peace, reconciliation renewed co-operation and mutual respect.
As we approach the centenary of partition let us not refight old battles.
The future will be forged by political leadership.
It will certainly require creativity, imagination and innovation.
We must succeed.
The best hope for future success is to bring the people of our island together.
This is a defining period in our history and the history of Europe.
It is a time for big ideas.
For inclusive conversations.
For ambitious plans.
And for generosity.
I believe we are entering a decade of opportunity where the freedom to choose our own future will be decided by the people on this island.
It is a time to bring people together in harmony and friendship.
It is a time to transform this country.
It is a time to unite all of the people who share this island.
And to seize, what is, the opportunity of a lifetime.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
ENDS
Sinn Féin Spokespersons on Culture, Arts and Heritage Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and Senator Fintan Warfield this morning published the Sinn Féin manifesto for Culture, Arts and Heritage. Deputy Ó Snodaigh and Senator Warfield were speaking outside the Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar ahead of hustings hosted by the National Campaign for the Arts.
The policy paper calls for the introduction of a designated ‘night venue’ classification in planning and licensing laws in support of a nighttime economy, and reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to reforming the insurance industry in support of small business, and the community and voluntary sectors. It also sets out the party’s plans to increase funding to the Heritage Council.
Senator Warfield said:
"Our manifesto supports artists and communities through a wide range of measures across five connected areas, namely: raising incomes; creative spaces; participation and young artists; nightlife; heritage and Moore Street.
“Sinn Féin understand the tough and precarious realities facing artists, including housing, health, the cost of living and the low pay status quo. In Government, Sinn Féin will deliver for ordinary, working people – including workers in the creative industries.
"Sinn Féin propose to raise artists’ incomes through a local living wage initiative administered by Local Authorities and to increase Arts Council funding, while supporting an increase in funding for the redevelopment of existing properties for community and creative purposes.
"We want to increase participation, address affordability and fill spare capacity in the arts through the roll out of a national, digital cultural currency, while supporting younger artists through the implementation of a dedicated youth arts strategy.
“The first step in a thriving cultural economy is to make a creative career sustainable, and addressing poor wages across the sector will be Sinn Féin’s priority. We all lose out when artists can no longer produce their work, or when there is creative flight from Ireland. Our culture becomes less diverse, and risks becoming the preserve of a privileged few.”
Deputy Ó Snodaigh added;
“Sinn Féin want to break the economic barriers and increase access to arts, culture and heritage, particularly while there is spare capacity and empty seats in many classes, centres, theatres and other cultural institutions. Sinn Féin will make it a priority to bring together people who cannot afford to participate, with professionals and organisations who want to engage wider and new audiences, but who can’t discount their costs.
"We want to continue the work on nightlife that Sinn Féin representatives have prioritised in the Joint Oireachtas Committee and implement lasting change in Government, and create a vibrant and robust nighttime economy in our cities.
"Sinn Féin will also declare the 1916 terrace, yards and laneways of Moore Street a National Monument and end the disgraceful failure of this Government to protect this historic site."
Speaking after the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation released their trolley figures for January, Sinn Féin health spokesperson and General Election candidate for Fingal, Louise O’Reilly, said that only true political change will solve the trolley and overcrowding crisis.
Deputy O’Reilly said:
“January saw the second worse month for overcrowding since the INMO started collecting figures as 12,024 people went without a bed in hospitals in January.
“This crisis has existed under the successive governments of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
“Hospital Emergency Departments are an incredibly important part of our acute health services.
“Almost all of us will need to use ED services at some stage in our lives, and when that is the case we want that traumatic experience to be manged as sensitively, efficiently and professionally as possible.
“However, ED services have been at crisis point for some time and the number of people left on trolleys is at record numbers.
“In order for any health service to function for patients and staff it has to have the capacity to deal with the volume of people who use it, yet the health system in this State is continuously operating at or above capacity across most services, and in the coming years demand will grow significantly.
“Sinn Féin will deliver Sláintecare and we will tackle the crisis areas of our health service by hiring more staff, improving conditions for patients and staff alike, and increasing capacity.
“Only true political change will solve the trolley and overcrowding crisis.
“Sinn Féin will deliver that change.”
