Fine Gael will develop a “blueprint for a unified island” by November, the Tánaiste has announced.
Simon Harris said all political parties were “duty bound to make a positive, credible contribution” in preparations for unity.
Harris made the remark as he delivered a speech at a Fine Gael event to mark the centenary of the birth of Garret FitzGerald in UCD on Sunday.
Harris said the country had to engage “seriously, responsibly and respectfully” with the future of this island in advance of the 30th anniversary of the 1998 Belfast Agreement, which will come during his next tenure as taoiseach.
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“We cannot be passive observers to change, nor can we approach questions on the future constitutional status of this island through slogans, sentimentality or simplistic assumptions as some other political parties on this island do,” he said.
“If constitutional change is to happen, it must be prepared for, carefully, honestly and inclusively.”
He told Fine Gael members this must involve listening to all traditions.
“Some will suggest this is not the right time. I would strongly refute that.
“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 ardfheis this November
“The work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland engagement group and facilitated by academic Prof Deirdre Heenan.”
The Fine Gael leader said the blueprint would define what a unified Ireland could mean in “practical terms, politically, economically and societally”.
He said it would examine fiscal implications, public services and the “economic opportunities that could arise from unity”, including all-island infrastructure, labour mobility and EU market access.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality.
“Fine Gael believes that reconciliation, not triumphalism, [and] persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation.”
He described unity not as “an event” but as “a process requiring leadership, planning and patience”.
Speaking on Sunday, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald responded to the Fine Gael plans saying: “I’m glad to see that at last the Tánaiste is acknowledging the need for preparation for Irish re-unification.
“There is no doubt that work of preparation is now urgent,” she said.
McDonald said the Tánaiste “can put his money where his mouth is and show a seriousness of intent” by supporting proposed legislation Sinn Féin will be bringing to the Dáil for debate before the summer recess.
McDonald said Sinn Féin’s legislation will ask the Government to produce a Green Paper on Irish re-unification; to convene an all-island citizens’ assembly; and to give oversight to the Oireachtas in the carrying out of this work.
“This needs to happen and I would challenge Simon Harris now he is acknowledging what we have been saying for a very, very long time, I would say to him well demonstrate your seriousness of intent and your good faith by supporting the Sinn Féin legislation.”
McDonald said she will be introducing the legislation at first stage in the Dáil on Tuesday.– Additional reporting: PA
