200 people attend Sinn Féin meeting on ‘Ireland’s future’
SINN Féin MLA Áine Murphy has said that the discussion on the future of Ireland is “alive and kicking across Fermanagh”.
Speaking after an event organised by The Commission on the Future of Ireland that was attended by more than 200 people in the Westville
Hotel last week, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: “The remit [of the Commission] is to undertake a grassroots consultation with the people of Ireland, and internationally, on the future of Ireland.
“This is to be achieved in a number of ways: through the hosting of public People’s Assemblies across the country and internationally; through the collection and collation of written submissions, and through hosting sectoral meetings and through private engagements.”
The event was widely attended and featured a panel comprising Noelle Mcaloon, Dr. Niall Mcveigh, Mairaid Kelly and Trevor Birney, with a key note address from Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou Mcdonald.
Ms. Murphy continued: “We were lucky that Fermanagh was chosen as the location for the 11th of the public People’s Assemblies, and the meeting was addressed by Uachtarán Shinn Féin, Mary Lou Mcdonald.
“No-one holds the title deeds on what a United Ireland will look like. We all have our aspirations, our ideas, and therefore it was important that people from all political persuasions, and none, joined in on the discussion.”
Describing the event, she said: “A huge energy was brought to the discussion by our expert panel of Noelle Mcaloon, Dr. Niall Mcveigh, Mairaid Kelly and Trevor Birney, and the event was interactive throughout.
“Our shared challenge is to create a future which is warm and welcoming for everyone, and where the potential prosperity of areas like this Border region can be fully unlocked.
“Together, we can protect public services, pensions, and create decent jobs and pay. Together we can create an Irish national health service, and introduce all-island climate protections.
“Together we can negotiate and agree new constitutional, democratic arrangements and structures which leave no one behind.”
She added: “It is important to note that contributions can still be made to the Commission at commission@ sinnfein.ie, or via www.sinnfein.ie/ futureofireland.”