AARON KENT
At their December Plenary meeting Waterford City and County Council passed a motion to write to An Taoiseach asking for preparations to begin for uniting Ireland.
The motion was read into the chamber by Sinn Féin Councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy and was brought in the name of Cllr. Mulcahy, Cllr. Griffin, Cllr. Bailey, Cllr. Hearne, Cllr. Fitzgerald, Cllr. Burke, Cllr. O’ Mahoney, who represent Sinn Féin.
Specifically, the motion called on the Council to contact An Taoiseach and ask for the government to “plan and prepare for Irish unity by establishing an all-island representative Citizens’ Assembly,” and “to produce and publish a clear plan towards Irish unity”.
Citizens’ Assemblies have been used to address some of the most difficult issues facing Irish society in recent years.
The Assembly brings together a randomly selected group of people, and is designed to involve people of all ages, backgrounds and areas in the Country. The members of the assembly are asked to consider evidence, a diverse range of opinions from experts and shareholders, and case studies form other countries.
During the ‘deliberation process’ of the Assembly members work in small groups to discuss, debate and reflect on the range of information and perspectives presented to them.
Assemblies can then produce reports that set out recommendations for the Government and the Oireachtas. Although neither house of the state is legally required to follow these recommendations, they have both committed to consider them carefully and respond publicly.
Previous Assemblies addressed constitutional issues such as same sex marriage in 2013, the Eight Amendment in 2018, and Drug Use in 2023.
There are no active Citizens’ Assemblies active in Ireland at present.
“The time is now”
“The time is now,” said Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney who seconded the motion.
“I’m proud to second this motion and as an Irish republican I firmly believe it is time for the Irish government to prepare for the reunification of Ireland in an organised respectful and democratic approach.”
“Irish unity is a core objective in our constitution Bunreacht na hÉireann. The national conversation around Irish unity is growing there is huge momentum behind the prospect of reunification, especially with our young people across our island.”
“…this motion asks the government to act now and start preparing for a unity referendum including engaging with civil society and all communities including northern protestant and unionist voices and set out a clear and transparent plan.
“I believe we have a responsibility to shape our future, one that is united, inclusive and worthy of everyone on this island. The time is now.”
An Amendment
Fianna Fáil Councillor Eamon Quinlan welcomed the motion, saying “This is a great motion, I like it.” But asked for an amendment to “maximise the good this motion intends”.
Cllr. Quinlan highlighted that The Good Friday Agreement provides for a border poll on Irish unity only when it is perceived that a majority in the North would favour leaving the UK.
Citing these reasons, he asked that the motion be edited and also sent to the First Minister of Northern Ireland.
“I would simply add to the third paragraph ‘and the office of the First Minister of Northern Ireland; and add plural to the word government – the governments in Dublin and Stormont, to both consult with their citizens, to both draft documents.
“There is going to heavy lifting required in 26 counties and the 6 counties to unify health services, education systems, and we can’t in the 26 counties be guilty of trying to act unilaterally on this, we need our brothers and sisters in the 6 counties to be a part of this.”
The motion was passed by a unanimous vote.
AARON KENT
Funded by The Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
