Bertie a big United fan..
AHERN: IRISH UNITY IS BEST WAY
A UNITED Ireland would be the “most desirable outcome” for people in Ireland, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.
Set to take part in a New Ireland Commission in conversation event at Leinster House today, he said unity is “not a shortterm goal.”
Mr Ahern, who played a significant role enabling the landmark Belfast/Good Friday peace agreement in 1998, said those who backed a united Ireland need to “put in the hard yards”.
The discussion is set to focus on the SDLP initiative’s mission to build a “detailed prospectus for Irish unity, building on the experience of leaders across Ireland who spilled their sweat for peace”.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Ahern said the vision for a new Ireland based on the consent of the people as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, is “not just possible” but is the “most desirable outcome.”
He said anyone who believes in “change” must be committed to putting in the work to build a prospectus that reaches out to “our unionist neighbours that they will be respected “and their traditions “cherished”.
Mr Ahern added: “This commission is a serious political project and I look forward to contributing my own experiences of working towards a common goal with communities across Ireland.” SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the event as the latest in a series across Ireland.
1He said: “We are delighted that former taoiseach Bertie Ahern will provide his insights into the campaign to build a new Ireland.”
Mr Eastwood praised his “long association with peace and prosperity” in the North and his commitment “to meaningful engagement” with unionists.
Build
He said he hoped Mr Ahern can provide “important lessons for those of us who believe in a new future for everyone who shares our island”.
Welcoming the event, which will be held later today, he added: “This is the latest in a series of engagement events that the New Ireland Commission has held in Belfast, Derry, London, Bellaghy and Dublin.
“We are committed to engaging with people and communities across these islands to build a prospectus for change.
“Indeed, we believe we are best placed to bridge the gaps between communities.”