Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on the Irish government to plan and prepare for Irish unity.
She was speaking ahead of a Dáil motion on Irish unity which she described as “a historic opportunity and the very best idea for the future of Ireland."
McDonald recognised the support from the two presidential candidates for unity and said she believed “we are in the final length of the journey to reunification."
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we are challenged to build on the chapter of peace and write the chapter of reunification,” she said.
“This is a positive and exciting time in our national journey. Inch by inch, we are getting closer to a united Ireland. The conversation on Irish unity is live, happening in real time with great enthusiasm, especially amongst our young people.
“We can see that the ambition of a new and united Ireland is a major theme of this presidential election campaign. Both candidates have expressed their hopes for reunification, how they would reach out to the unionist community and outlining how they would work to progress Irish unity during their term as president. This is a good thing as the unity conversation belongs to everyone regardless of political persuasion, background or tradition.”
Ms.McDonald also welcomed the comments by Alliance leader Naomi Long who called for the British government to make clear the criteria for calling for a unity referendum.
“The momentum is building. The people of Ireland and civic society groups are extremely engaged in the political, social and economic issues that must be addressed on the pathway to unity. The direction and pace of travel point firmly towards unity.”
