‘The future lies in unity’ - Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn addresses Drumboe Easter Commemoration
Sinn Féin TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn has criticised the Irish Government’s approach to Irish unity and accused the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, of ‘failing to adequately prepare for a possible referendum on the issue’.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn made the comments as part of a wide-ranging address to a large gathering at the Drumboe Easter Commemoration in Stranorlar on Easter Sunday.
He said: “A growing number of people now recognise that the future lies in unity.
“The conversation is already underway across society. It is the most important conversation we can have, but conversation must be matched with preparation.
“The Irish and British governments cannot be allowed to continue to delay or obstruct. Unity will not happen by accident – it must be won. The time to prepare for referendums – and to win them – is now.”
Deputy Mac Lochlainn was critical of the Taoiseach, who he said had the “responsibility” to begin preparing and planning.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn also warned that Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality is under increasing pressure. He said neutrality “reflects the values of our people” and vowed that his party would oppose any attempt to dismantle it.
He said: “At a time when the so-called rules-based international order is breaking down – when powerful states act with impunity and new wars are breaking out – the need for an independent Irish foreign policy has never been greater.
“We are seeing the consequences of a world where might is treated as right. This is not the time to abandon neutrality – it is the time to strengthen it. Weakening the Triple Lock would open the door to Irish involvement in foreign wars.”
A colour party led the parade, which featured the Strabane ‘St Patrick’s Day’ Accordion Band, from Johnston’s Corner to the Republican Memorial in Stranorlar.
“Over the weekend there was over 40 other local commemorations and wreath laying ceremonies the length and breadth of Tyrone and East Donegal including well attended local commemorations at the Republican Plot in Strabane Graveyard, in Lifford at the Republican Monument in Castlederg as well as in Aghyaran, Cranagh and Castlefin graveyards.”