Derry MP Colum Eastwood welcomes Irish Government body on unity

The Taoiseach has said he intends to bring proposals to Cabinet before the end of the year.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “This is very welcome news – particularly for those of us who have been repeatedly arguing that the Irish Government needs to take a leading role when it comes to planning for a New Ireland and marks an important step forward in the conversation about the future of this island.

“The announcement that a new body within the Department of the Taoiseach with the resources to bring together academics, experts and others to carry out research and look at potential scenarios around the key issues involving the creation of a new state and the shape it may take will inject fresh impetus into the ever-growing debate around a New Ireland.

“The topic of Irish unity isn’t going away and we need to see this new body contributing to the work required to answer the many questions people have about a New Ireland, whether that be how our health service will work or what it will mean for them and their family. I also welcome the commitment to seek the views of unionists and look at how they will be affected by any change to our constitutional arrangements.

“This new body is the latest indicator of a change in mood in the South towards the issue of Irish unity. It’s no longer something for the future, but something to be planned for in the here and now.”

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has also welcomed the Taoiseach’s intention to bring a memorandum to Government on Ireland’s constitutional future, saying it must drive urgent and inclusive preparations for a united Ireland.

Mary Lou McDonald said: “This is an important and welcome step. Preparations for Irish unity must now advance with urgency, backed by concrete action, a clear timetable and the resources necessary to undertake this work.

“Sinn Féin believes that a united Ireland is the best future for all our people. Ending partition and bringing our country together offers the biggest opportunity to build a stronger economy, deliver better public services and create a fairer, reconciled society across the whole island.

“The Irish Government must lead the work of developing a credible, practical proposition for unity that can secure support, north and south. That means answering people’s questions about healthcare, education, jobs, pensions, public services and their rights. It means setting out how unity can improve people’s lives and how we can manage the transition together.

“This process must be inclusive from the outset. We want people from a unionist background to help shape a new Ireland. Their British identity and traditions must be respected and protected, and their concerns and aspirations must be heard and taken seriously.

“Everyone must have a meaningful opportunity to contribute, including those who support the union and those who have yet to make up their minds.”