Sinn Fein figure calls for nationalist parties to push for united Ireland
A senior Sinn Fein MLA has called on all the nationalist parties on the island to work together to deliver a united Ireland.
Delivering a speech in Co Mayo to commemorate the 1981 hunger strikes, Gerry Kelly also paid tribute to the late Martin Mcguinness and said the political institutions at Stormont should be re-established.
“I challenge the leaders of the SDLP, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fail to stop hiding behind the mantra of now is not the time to discuss unity. One hundred years on since 1916, as we face into Brexit, now is the time not only to discuss unity, but to plan and deliver Irish unity,” he said.
The Sinn Fein politician added: “Sinn Fein wants an Ire- land that is defined by hope, prosperity and opportunity for all citizens irrespective of their age, gender, religious persuasion, cultural identity, political affiliation, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.”
He paid tribute to the late Martin Mcguinness and the 1981 hunger-strikers.
The North Belfast MLA also insisted that the political institutions at Stormont should be re-established.
“We want the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement re-instated but on the basis of equality, mutual respect and integrity. The present talks, now stalled, are about implementing agreements already made,” he added.