UUP leader Jon Burrows dismisses 'blueprint for unity' plans by Fine Gael
UUP leader Jon Burrows has labelled a Fine Gael plan to develop a “blueprint for a unified island” as a ‘pet project’ and says any constitutional change rests solely with the people of Northern Ireland.
Mr Burrows made the comments after Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the party wished to outline plans for unification by November.
The Irish deputy premier said all political parties are “duty bound to make a positive, credible contribution” in preparations for unity.
However, downplaying the plans, Mr Burrows believes those who aspire for a united Ireland are growing frustrated by the fact constitutional change is no closer today than it was at the time of the Belfast Agreement.
He added: “I am confident in the case for the Union – a Union that strengthens our economic security, underpins our national security, and has helped secure the most peaceful and prosperous period in our history.
“Simon Harris is entitled to produce whatever ‘blueprint’ he wishes for Irish unity, but it is entirely reasonable to ask whether this is truly what was envisaged when the 1998 Belfast Agreement was signed – particularly when the Irish state amended its constitution and repealed Articles 2 and 3, removing its territorial claim over Northern Ireland.”
Mr Burrows added: “There is also a growing disconnect between sections of the political class and ordinary people. Recent polling in the Republic of Ireland showed that Irish unity barely registered as a public priority.
“At a time of significant pressures on healthcare, housing, infrastructure and the cost of living, politicians should focus on the real and immediate concerns of the people they serve rather than pursuing constitutional pet projects.
“My focus remains firmly on making Northern Ireland work better, strengthening our place within the United Kingdom, and unlocking the enormous potential of this part of our country.”
Mr Harris made the announcement as he delivered a speech at a Fine Gael event to mark the centenary of the birth of Garret FitzGerald in UCD yesterday.
Mr Harris said the country must now engage “seriously, responsibly and respectfully” with the future of this island ahead of the 30th anniversary of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which will come during his next tenure as taoiseach.
He said: “We cannot be passive observers to change nor can we approach questions on the future constitutional status of this island through slogans, sentimentality, or simplistic assumptions as some other political parties on this island do.
“If constitutional change is to happen, it must be prepared for, carefully, honestly and inclusively.”
He told Fine Gael members this must involve listening to all traditions.
“Some will suggest this is not the right time. I would strongly refute that.
“This conversation is an essential step in building a new and better Ireland.
“That is why today, I am announcing that Fine Gael will develop a new blueprint for a unified island for our ard fheis this November.
“The work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group and facilitated by academic Professor Deirdre Heenan.”
The Fine Gael leader said the blueprint would define what a unified Ireland could mean in “practical terms, politically, economically and societally”.
He said it would examine fiscal implications, public services and the “economic opportunities that could arise from unity”, including all-island infrastructure, labour mobility, and EU market access.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality.
“Fine Gael believes that reconciliation, not triumphalism, that persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation.”
He described unity not as “an event” but as “a process requiring leadership, planning and patience”.
However, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she would “challenge” the tanaiste to “put his money where his mouth is”.
“I suppose his first job is to convince his partner in government, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, to follow the same course.”
She added: “The tanaiste can put his money where his mouth is and show his seriousness of intent by supporting legislation that I will bring forward on behalf of Sinn Fein, legislation that we will move before we break for the summer, legislation that would ask the Dublin government to produce a green paper on Irish reunification, to convene an all-Ireland citizens assembly and to give oversight to the Oireachtas in the carrying out of this work.”