Tiocfaidh ár lá... very soon, says Mary Lou at IRA event
SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has told an IRA commemoration that Irish unity is ‘only a matter of time’.
Her comments come a week after she said a poll on Irish unity should not be held while uncertainty around Brexit remains – interpreted by many as a climbdown from Sinn Féin’s push for a united Ireland.
But Ms McDonald reverted to form yesterday, telling the 37th annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Castlewellan, Co. Down: ‘It is not a question of if a unity referendum will happen but a question of when.’
The republican leader, who was joined at the event by former party leader Gerry Adams, added that the process of building a new and united Ireland must include unionists, and that the Government has a responsibility to lead the discussion.
‘The need for a referendum to end partition is writ large – and the time for a unity referendum is drawing near,’ she said. ‘Political leaders must begin practical preparations for a new, inclusive Ireland beyond partition. The Irish Government in particular has a responsibility to lead an informed, reasoned and respectful public dialogue on this issue. As Britain turns away from Europe, the appeal of being part of a new and outward-looking Ireland will, I believe, prove ever more attractive to some within the unionist community.
‘British identity can and must be accommodated in a united Ireland and I believe nationalist Ireland is open to constitutional and political safeguards to ensure this.’
The Sinn Féin leader added that the party is committed to re-establishing the Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland. ‘However, basic rights, respect and equality cannot be disregarded – they are not bargaining chips,’ she said of autumn talks to resolve the impasse.
Ms McDonald added there are more republicans across Ireland now than at any time since partition. ‘The tide of history is with those who seek a united Ireland,’ she said.
Ms McDonald and Mr Adams were among thousands who attended yesterday’s hunger strike march, marking the anniversary of the deaths of ten hunger strikers, including Bobby Sands, in 1981.
‘Need for a vote is writ large’