Local Sinn Féin representative Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle has said that Brexit opens up a unique opportunity to look again at the idea of unity.
The Letterkenny-based councillor was speaking as his party, Sinn Féin, this week launched a new discussion document on Irish unity.
He said “A united Ireland makes sense in terms of the economy, public services, investment, exports, agriculture, policing and justice and sport.
“There are no advantages for a small island of 6.4 million people on the edge of Europe in having two separate tax regimes, legal systems, and competing economic development programmes.
“Removing barriers to trade, created by the border will lead to significant economic growth across the island.
“A united Ireland would allow us to build a truly National Health Service.
“The discussion document launched by my party this week entitled ‘Towards a United Ireland’, outlines the case for unity.
“Sinn Féin wants to see a new Ireland where citizens have the right to a job, to a home, and a decent standard of education.
“A new, united Ireland must deliver new politics and fundamentally change the political status quo North and South.”
He said there will be a need for a new Constitution and Bill of Rights, and there may need to be constitutional and political safeguards for the unique identity of Northern unionists.
“The Good Friday Agreement provides for peaceful and democratic constitutional change through concurrent referendums North and South.
“Securing a referendum on Irish unity would be an historic opportunity for all the people of Ireland, allowing us to vote for the kind of government and society we wish to see.
“Sinn Féin has called for a Unity Poll and we are seeking an informed, reasoned and respectful dialogue on the issue.
“Now is the time to plan and to build the maximum support for unity. The leadership of those political parties which say they support Irish unity, acting together, could provide the leadership to deliver it.
“I believe the Government should start preparing for unity by establishing an all-party group to bring forward a Green Paper for Unity.
“I also believe they could start now to develop a plan for an all-island National Health Service.
“I hope everyone gives this discussion document careful consideration and I would like to see other parties and organizations putting forward their ideas on this important issue.”
