Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has acknowledged comments from US President Donald Trump on the reunification of Ireland, declaring that the conversation around Irish unity has shifted and calling on the Taoiseach to begin planning for constitutional change.
McDonald also highlighted the historic role of the United States in the Irish peace process, while urging President Trump to use American influence to pursue peace in Palestine.
McDonald said:
“At this time of very significant global challenge, Ireland seeks to promote our values of peace, neutrality, disarmament, upholding international rule of law, and strengthening the pursuit of justice and the protection of human rights.
“The Irish peace process and the role of the United States in this are an example of successful diplomacy and foreign policy where the US has been a critical partner over three decades.
“We want to see President Trump apply the same approach to Palestine and promote a global agenda for peace.
“This means that the United States must stop arming Israel. The United States must stop facilitating the genocide of Palestinian people. Israel must no longer be allowed to act with impunity.
“We are absolutely prepared to offer our continued support and solidarity, and to lend all our experience to this end.”
Turning specifically to the question of Irish unity, McDonald said the political conversation has moved forward and placed responsibility on the Taoiseach to begin preparing for the possibility of reunification.
She added:
“I acknowledge President Trump’s comments on the reunification of Ireland. The conversation on Irish unity has shifted, and the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning. We have secured peace, and as we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement our national journey is now reunification, which is organised, planned and a peaceful transition.”
The comments represent a significant intervention from the Sinn Féin leader following Trump’s remarks, with the party continuing to push for formal preparations for constitutional change and a future referendum on Irish unity.
McDonald’s statement also seeks to connect Ireland’s experience of peace-building with the conflict in Palestine, arguing that the diplomatic approach which helped underpin the Irish peace process should be reflected in US foreign policy elsewhere.
ENDS