United Ireland‘most desirable outcome’
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A UNITED Ireland would be the “most desirable outcome for people and communities across Ireland”, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.
The former Fianna Fail leader, who played a significant role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, said unity is “not a short-term goal”.
He also challenged those who backed a united Ireland to be prepared to “put in the hard yards”.
Mr Ahern is set to take part in a New Ireland Commission in conversation event at Leinster House today.
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”.
Ahead of the event, Mr Ahern said: “It is not a short-term goal.
“All of those who believe in change must be committed to putting in the hard yards to build a prospectus that reaches across traditional divides and demonstrates to our unionist neighbours that they will be respected, their traditions will be cherished and their children will be at home in the new Ireland we build together.
“This commission is a serious political project and I look forward to contributing my own experiences of working towards a common goal with communities
PLAN Colum
Eastwood
We are committed to engaging with people and groups on the island COLUM EASTWOOD SDLP LEADER ON FOCUS EVENT
across Ireland.” SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Ahern’s experience will be invaluable.
He said: “We are delighted that former taoiseach Bertie Ahern will provide his insights into the campaign to build a new Ireland.
“Bertie’s long association with peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and his commitment, in particular, to meaningful engagement with those from a unionist
background provide important lessons for those of us who believe in a new future for everyone who shares our island.
“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 our communities.”