Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Preparing for Re-Unification

As the only party organised throughout the 32 counties, and with elected representation at all levels of democracy in Ireland, we are working to make Irish unity a reality in our lifetime. We are the only party with a strategy and policies for achieving Irish unity. We are the only party that people can vote for whether they live in Derry, Kerry, Wexford or Antrim. We are the only party bringing a distinctly republican and socialist analysis into the heart of Irish politics. We have placed the development of all-Ireland structures and the demand for re-unification at the top of our political agenda. Throughout the peace process we have consistently urged an island-wide approach in key policy areas. We have given practical expression to this through the work of our Ministers in the Executive and the all-Ireland Ministerial Council. In the Dáil and the Assembly, Sinn Féin representatives have continuously pressed the need to sustain and develop the all-Ireland approach enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement.

Sinn Féin is campaigning for:

  • The Irish government to bring forward a strategy to achieve national self-determination, Irish reunification and national reconciliation;

  • The Taoiseach to commission a Green Paper on Irish unity to identify steps to promote and assist a successful transition to a united Ireland;

  • A Minister of State to be appointed to co-ordinate the Government's all-Ireland policies;

  • The work of the All-Ireland Ministerial Council to be expanded and further all-Ireland Implementation bodies created;

  • Northern representation in the Oireachtas i.e. Westminster MP's elected in the six counties to be accorded speaking rights in the Dáil and Seanad and for voting rights in Presidential elections for those resident in the Six Counties;

  • The Irish Government to actively engage with the British government and unionism to promote and seek support for re-unification;

  • The British Government to become persuaders for Irish unity and develop policies to end their jurisdiction in Ireland;

  • A broad campaign alongside other political parties, campaign groups, trade unions and other interested sections of our society in creating an Alliance for Irish Unity;

  • Expanding the island wide approach in key policy areas including the economy, health, employment, agriculture and tourism;

  • Widespread consultation at home and abroad. (Every effort must be made to engage with unionist opinion and to engage with them about the nature and form a New Ireland would take).

By planning for Irish unity and by demonstrating that unification can lead to a better society for all the people of this island, nationalists will go far towards persuading many unionists that they can have a secure future in a new, united Ireland. An all-Ireland economy has huge potential for economic growth across this island. The separation of two economies, duplication of services, competing strategies and two currencies have all had a negative impact.