Sinn Féin to Hold Major Conference on Uniting Ireland

Sinn Féin to Hold Major Conference on Uniting Ireland

Sinn Féin will host a major conference on Uniting Ireland in Cork City Hall next Saturday (25th June). The conference, which follows on a successful event in Dublin over the weekend, will feature speakers including Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, legendary broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, historian Dr Ruan O’Donnell, and Ann Piggott, president of the Cork Council of Trades Unions.

Speaking in advance of the event, Jonathan O’Brien TD said:

“The essence of republicanism is expressed in the 1916 Proclamation when it states: “We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible.”

“Today, with the centenary of the rising less than five years away, it seems the ownership of Ireland lies with international bondholders, and control of Irish destinies in the European Central Bank. This is where a political system stained by corruption and cronyism, and crippled by lack of vision, has brought us. The demand of James Connolly for the “reconquest of Ireland by the Irish people” has never been more relevant than it is today.”

“We need to do more than rebuild our economy – we need to remake our politics. We need build a new republic.”

“But this means addressing the issue of Irish Unity. After all, the Irish people include those of the whole island, not just 26 counties.”

“Partition has inhibited the development of both parts of Ireland. It means two administrations on one small island, creating massive duplication and waste. It inhibits rational planning in terms of developing infrastructure, attracting foreign direct investment, energy policy and tourism. We end up competing with one another for jobs or tourist dollars instead of uniting our energies to ensure we all succeed.”

“A United Ireland is an opportunity for national renewal and a new beginning. Never have these been so badly needed as now. That is why Sinn Fein is working to promote a national conversation on Irish Unity, of which this conference is part.”

“I would like to invite people across Cork and Munster to come along on Saturday and be part of the conversation. It is your future that is at stake.”

Towards a New Republic – I dtreo Poblacht Nua
Saturday 25th June, 7.30-9.30pm
Concert Hall, City Hall, Cork
Admission free

For further information or comment contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907