Cardiff agreement strengthens case for Irish unity planning

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has welcomed the signing today in Cardiff of a Memorandum of Understanding between Sinn Féin, the SNP and Plaid Cymru, as the debate on Irish unity gathers real momentum at home and internationally.

The Cardiff agreement comes after a period in which Irish unity has moved further to the centre of political discussion, with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown publicly predicting a united Ireland and the US President openly speaking about his support for Irish unity during his visit to Ireland.

The Cardiff agreement was signed by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, Vice President Michelle O’Neill, SNP leader John Swinney and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.

It commits the three parties to stronger cooperation on fairer economies, renewable energy, European and international cooperation, and the democratic right of people to determine their own constitutional future.

Sorca Clarke TD TD said, “There has been a striking acceleration now in the debate on Irish unity.

"A former British Prime Minister has said that, in the long term, Ireland will be united; the US President has openly spoken about his support for Irish unity, and today political leaders from Ireland, Scotland and Wales have met in Cardiff to discuss constitutional change.

“Irish unity is increasingly being recognised as a real and achievable political prospect.

"The conversation is widening, the momentum is building and the need to prepare is becoming more urgent.

“Ireland, Scotland and Wales have different histories and constitutional circumstances, but we share an important democratic principle - people have the right to determine their own future.

“In Ireland, that democratic pathway is clearly established in the Good Friday Agreement.

"The future of Ireland will be decided by the people of Ireland, north and south.

“Unity offers enormous opportunities, to build a stronger all Ireland economy, create better jobs, deliver better public services, realise our energy potential and build a fairer society.

“That is why the Irish government, and in particular Taoiseach Mícheál Martin, must now begin the serious work of preparing for Irish unity, through an inclusive process of planning and dialogue involving every community and tradition.

“The British government should not frustrate democratic constitutional change.

"It should prepare for it, plan for it and facilitate it, as today’s agreement makes clear.

“There is also important practical work our parties can do together, sharing ideas on jobs, tackling inequality, renewable energy and European cooperation.

“For Ireland, the opportunity is to bring our country together and build a new Ireland that works better for everyone.”