ADAMS IN NEW CALL FOR VOTE ON UNITED IRELAND...
Former sf chief rejects taoiseach’s claims poll would be ‘a bad idea’
FORMER Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has made a fresh call for a referendum on a united Ireland.
It comes just weeks after Leo Varakdar claimed such a poll would be “divisive” and a “bad idea”.
Mr Adams said yesterday: “This is not a task for Sinn Fein alone.
“All political parties and others who support the Good Friday Agreement and an end to partition should also campaign for this modest step forward.
“How a shared Ireland, an agreed Ireland is created is another matter deserving of careful, generous and positive inclusivity.
“To begin with we need to understand many unionists hold to their sense of identity as strongly as we do. So new thinking is needed by us all.
“We are a diverse people. That should be proudly proclaimed and not used to divide us.
“Ireland is an island – a society – in transition. The future is bright despite the dire threats of Brexit.”
He also condemned the DUP for their supply and confidence deal with the Conservative Party.
Mr Adams said: “The DUP have tied themselves to the English Tories – they embrace Brexit. They continue to deny citizens’ rights enjoyed elsewhere on these islands.
“But that will all be sorted. Of that there is no doubt.
“We can say with certainty the DUP position is not sustainable. It is for them to come to terms with that.
“Everyone here knows the Taoiseach’s position on the North, the border and rights is a direct consequence of the strength of Sinn Fein. So we will persist and we will prevail.
“We also reject Mr Varadkar’s suggestion a referendum on Irish unity is not desirable at this time.
“He has a duty to uphold the Good Friday Agreement. He cannot cherry-pick it. So we will continue to look for a referendum and we will do our utmost to win that convincingly.”
Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement a referendum can be called if the Secretary of State believes a majority of people in the North no longer want to remain part of the UK.
Mr Adams was speaking at an annual republican commemoration in Co Armagh, for several republicans killed during the Troubles. A memorial stone was also unveiled in honour of Martin Mcguinness.