Addressing this weekends annual South Armagh Commemoration Newry and Armagh MP Daire Hughes said:
Today we stand with pride, in respectful remembrance and in solidarity with families to remember their loved ones.
We remember the many Irish republicans who gave or lost their lives, and in doing so, with respect for all those who continue to suffer the grief and trauma of conflict”.
The Newry and Armagh MP continued,
“The signing of the Good Friday Agreement paved a new, peaceful, and democratic pathway to constitutional change. And as recent elections have shown, there is a growing and unstoppable demand for a new and better Ireland.
One that unlocks the huge economic, cultural and social potential of our island and its people, and places the interests of workers and families at its core.”
Daire Hughes said that planning and preparation for Irish unity should begin now. He said:
“We can achieve unity in our time, and Sinn Féin is clear, the planning and preparation for this must begin now.
The Irish Government should immediately establish a Citizens’ Assembly to plan for Irish unity; one where everyone is welcome, everyone is included, and one where people can openly share their ideas, their hopes, and their ambitions.
A new Ireland must be built upon a willingness to move forward together, and reconciliation must be at the heart of all political and civic institutions in a new national constitutional framework”.
Increasingly, people are demanding that decisions about their lives and their futures be made here, at home, on the island of Ireland. They want better investment in our public services, and they want an end to the Tory cuts which have negatively impacted the people of the north”.
Concluding the Sinn Féin MP said,
“Seismic change is happening before our eyes. The Good Friday Agreement shows how much can be achieved when we act with common purpose.
We have built the peace. Now, we look to write the next chapter – the reunification of Ireland.
“We will work night and day as part of a strong all-island team to deliver a new Ireland based on the vision of Tone. An enduring reconciliation and a real union of all the people who share this island, and between every community on this island.
“Let’s move forward and work together to build a fairer Ireland which champions social justice, equality and rights for all.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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