Tanaiste writes to political leaders seeking views on Irish unity

A letter from the Tánaiste has been sent to political leaders on both sides of the border seeking their views on Irish unity and areas of common ground on the matter.

Fine Gael launched its “blueprint” for Irish unity at the party’s Ard Fheis earlier this month.

In the letter, Simon Harris shared a copy of the blueprint and has sought further engagement on the documents.

Among the party’s proposals is the establishment of a new junior minister for North-South relations, a dedicated sovereign wealth fund, transferring policy responsibility for Northern Ireland to the Department of Taoiseach and doubling the budget allocation for the “reconciliation fund” and broadening its remit to focus on youth.

It has also called for the expansion of all-island co-operation through the North-South Ministerial Council and to work closer on economic matters.

It also set out plans to create a public repository, where research and evidence on constitutional, economic and social questions would be stored.

The letter was sent to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as well as Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Social Democrats’ Cian O’Callaghan, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman and People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett.

The letter was also sent to political leaders in Northern Ireland, including DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows, SDLP leader Claire Hanna, TUV leader Jim Allister and Alliance leader Naomi Long.

The Fine Gael blueprint drew on research from Professor Deirdre Heenan and Professor Stephen Kinsella.

“There are complex questions to be addressed, from healthcare and education to public finances, political institutions and identity,” Mr Harris said in the letter.

“There will be differing views and difficult conversations, but complexity cannot become an excuse for inaction.

“No one political party owns the discussion about the future of this island, nor should any one party seek to determine its outcome.

“That is why I believe this must be an inclusive conversation, informed by evidence, respectful of different constitutional perspectives and grounded firmly in the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent.

“Central to our approach is the fundamental importance of peace and reconciliation.”

Mr Harris added: “Irrespective of constitutional aspirations, there is much we can do together to strengthen relationships, deepen co-operation and improve the everyday lives of people across our island.

“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, I believe there is an opportunity for meaningful and respectful engagement on these important questions – it is in that spirit that I am sharing this blueprint with you.

“I would very much welcome your views on the proposals and the wider issues raised, including areas where we might identify common ground or where further consideration is required.

“I am writing to all major political parties across this island – I hope you will receive this report in the constructive and respectful spirit in which it is intended.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the blueprint as a “crass attempt” to “outbid” Fine Gael’s rivals in Dublin.

Mr Robinson called on Mr Harris to reply to letters sent by Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), to the Irish Government about Trouble legacy killing.

In a statement, he said: “Simon Harris and the Irish Government can find time to write to unionists about breaking up the United Kingdom. They should find time to answer the ICRIR’s questions about the Irish Republic’s role in Troubles deaths.

“Sir Declan Morgan told MPs this week that his commission had sent Dublin around 12 letters on information sharing.

“It received an acknowledgement and is still waiting for a substantive reply. The families waiting for answers are entitled to ask what is taking so long.

“The Omagh bomb was made in the Republic of Ireland and driven across the border.

“The public inquiry in Northern Ireland is examining whether UK authorities could have prevented the bombing. Shamefully, Dublin has declined to hold its own public inquiry into what happened in its jurisdiction and whether its authorities could have prevented the attack.”

“We will work with Dublin on issues where both countries stand to benefit.”

Ms McDonald said: “Preparation for Unity and preparation for referendums are now urgent, and Sinn Féin wants to engage with all parties and stakeholders to grasp this opportunity.

“It is crucially important that Government takes those necessary and decisive steps now, including publishing a comprehensive Green Paper on reunification that examines the political, economic and social implications of constitutional change.

“We also need a forum for engagement – a citizens’ assembly or constitutional forum are necessary initiatives that must accompany the systemic, structural and policy preparation.”

In a reply letter, Mr Burrows told the Tánaiste that his party will have nothing to do with a “republican invitation to commit political suicide”.

The Ulster Unionist leader added: “There is nothing to be gained from pretending everything would be sweetness and light in your new ‘nirvana’.

“The exercise upon which you have embarked upon is destabilising, unhelpful and potentially dangerous.

“I would urge you to face reality and devote your energies to building trust. Without a sincere effort to win hearts and minds, nothing constructive or tangible will emerge.”

Ms Hanna commended Mr Harris for contacting parties across the political spectrum on the island.

“Constitutional conversations must be open and pluralist, not owned by any one party or tradition,” the SDLP leader said in a statement.

“That is why the SDLP has written to both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, encouraging the Irish Government to lead the way in preparing for the future.

“Our motivation is simple: to make people’s lives better.

“The measure of our ambition must be whether we can build a New Ireland rooted in the common good, where all of our people enjoy greater opportunities, stronger communities and confidence in their future.”

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan welcomed the engagement, saying his own party is hosting an event next weekend with members to discuss their approach to a United Ireland.

“It’s important to begin the hugely important work of planning for what a new Ireland could look like,” Mr O’Callaghan said in a statement.

“We now need an agreed and coherent Government approach to enable this work to start quickly.”

PA has contacted political parties for comment.