Fine Gael is set to develop a new blueprint for a “unified island” in time for the party Ard Fheis later this year.
Party leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris made the announcement as he marked the centenary of the birth of former party leader and taoiseach Garrett FitzGerald.
Speaking in O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Mr. Harris said that if constitutional change is to happen “it must be prepared for, carefully, honestly and inclusively. It must involve listening. Listening to you, the members of Fine Gael. Listening to people north and south. Listening to all traditions – as we have done through the successful Shared Island Initiative."
He added that some people would suggest that “this is not the right time” for the debate.
“I would strongly refute that,” he said. “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.”
Mr. Harris said the work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group and facilitated by Professor Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University.
“This vision will define what a unified Ireland could mean in practical terms, politically, economically and societally,” he said. “It will be informed by research and evidence and shaped by meaningful engagement with communities north and south of the border.
“It will examine fiscal implications, public services and the economic opportunities that could arise from unity, including all-island infrastructure, labour mobility, and EU market access.
“The paper will reflect our Fine Gael party’s approach, characterised by: Pragmatism over rhetoric; Respect for law, institutions and international agreements; Emphasis on preparation, reassurance and economic credibility.
“We will listen to all traditions on this island. We will ask the difficult questions, and we will answer them honestly. Because the future of this island cannot be built on slogans or assumptions.”
Harris said the Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic pathway for constitutional change.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality. Fine Gael believes in reconciliation, not triumphalism, that persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation.
“Our objective is not simply to debate the future of the island. It is to help shape a future in which every tradition, every identity and every community can feel valued, protected and at home.
“Unity, not as an event, but as a process requiring leadership, planning and patience. Fundamentally we want a united, working island with long-term durable consent.
“This work is the necessary groundwork we need to do to develop unity of purpose, unity of vision and unity of our island. That work begins now.”
