Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has challenged Waterford Fianna Fáil TD and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler to a public radio debate on Irish unity, saying she should explain to the people of Waterford why Fianna Fáil continues to oppose practical preparations for reunification while claiming to support it.
Speaking after the Dáil debate on Sinn Féin’s Bill to begin preparations for constitutional change, Deputy McGuinness said the Government’s position amounted to supporting Irish unity in words while refusing to prepare for it in practice.
Deputy McGuinness said:
“The future of Ireland should be decided by the people of Ireland. That is the principle at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement. But people cannot make an informed democratic decision if the Government refuses to do the work needed to prepare.”
“Our Bill simply called for responsible planning: a Green Paper, a Citizens’ Assembly and structured engagement with communities across this island. None of those measures predetermine the outcome of any future referendum. They simply ensure that, whenever the people are asked to decide, they can do so on the basis of facts rather than uncertainty.”
Deputy McGuinness said he was inviting Deputy Butler to debate the issue publicly.
“I am inviting Mary Butler to join me for a live radio debate on the future of Ireland and Fianna Fáil’s refusal to prepare for Irish unity. The people of Waterford deserve to hear why her party continues to block practical planning for the constitutional future provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.”
“If Fianna Fáil genuinely believes in Irish unity, then it should have no difficulty defending its position in an open public debate. I will make myself available at any time that suits Deputy Butler.”
Deputy McGuinness said Deputy Butler’s contribution to the Dáil debate focused on reconciliation and cross-border cooperation but failed to address the central issue.
“Reconciliation, partnership and the Shared Island Initiative are all important, but they are not a substitute for preparing for constitutional change. Supporting Irish unity in principle while refusing to prepare for it in practice is simply not credible.”
Deputy McGuinness also criticised Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s continued opposition to beginning preparations.
“Last week the Taoiseach launched Ireland’s EU Presidency under the slogan ‘Ní Neart go Cur le Chéile – Strength in Unity’. Yet when it comes to preparing for the unity of our own country, he refuses to act.”
“I’ve spoken to lifelong Fianna Fáil supporters who are genuinely dismayed by Micheál Martin’s approach. They cannot understand why a party founded to achieve a united Ireland is now resisting even the first practical steps towards preparing for it.”
“Planning is not something to fear. It is the responsible thing to do. The people of Ireland deserve leadership that prepares for the future rather than avoiding the conversation.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 