Nationalists welcome Tanaiste invite on Irish unity - unionists describe it as 'political suicide'
A letter from the Tanaiste to political parties requesting their views on Irish unification has been welcomed by nationalists – but described as an invitation to ‘political suicide’ by unionists.
Fine Gael launched its “blueprint” for Irish unity at its 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 Fail leader Micheal Martin as well as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Social Democrats’ Cian O’Callaghan, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Aontu leader Peadar Toibin, 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, UUP 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.
He called for "an inclusive conversation, informed by evidence, respectful of different constitutional perspectives and grounded firmly in the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent."
He added that “peace and reconciliation” is central to their approach. The TD said he would welcome views on the proposals and the wider issues raised.
However DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the blueprint was 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, Mr Robinson 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."
Ms McDonald said: “Preparation for Unity and preparation for referendums are now urgent, and Sinn Fein 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 Tanaiste that his party will have nothing to do with a “republican invitation to commit political suicide”.
He 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. However she added: “Constitutional conversations must be open and pluralist, not owned by any one party or tradition."
The SDLP has written to both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste, encouraging the Irish Government to lead the way in such talks.
She added: “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.”
TUV leader Jim Allister responded that the letter was offering “assisted political suicide” to unionists.
He added: “I searched your letter in vain for an apology over how the Protestant minority in your state was decimated from 10% to approximately 2% of your population after your 26 counties broke up a united Ireland in opting to leave the United Kingdom.
"Likewise, I find no regret or apology for your state’s collusion with the IRA’s terror campaign, nor for the constant refusal of extradition, the sanctuary afforded to our murderers, nor the supply of arms and explosives.”