A Letter from Ireland
a Chara,
Easter is the time when we remember Ireland’s Patriots. Those who have struggled, and those who gave their lives for the cause of Irish freedom.
Marking the 1916 Rising and also the advent of Spring and renewal. It is a time to catch up with friends and comrades, to remember, and to recommit to building a new and united Ireland.
Unlike other generations, we have the Good Friday Agreement which provides a peaceful and democratic pathway to Irish unity. The years of conflict are over. Politics, dialogue, and campaigning are the way forward.
“Last week in Philadelphia, speaking at an Ireland’s Future event, the former Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar said, “building a new Ireland, a united Ireland, is the political project of our generation”.
Irish unity is no longer an aspiration or distant concept. We have a pathway, we now need a unity of purpose shared by all who believe in constitutional change in Ireland and abroad.
Following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement the Irish Constitution was changed to state that unity is the “firm will of the Irish nation” and would be brought about by referendums north and south.
Achieving Irish unity is a constitutional imperative, an objective meant to be shared between all Irish Political parties and the nation at large. Quite telling in the remarks of Leo Varadkar was the line, “As is always the case, the impetus for great change must come from below. It will not come from above.”
Almost on cue the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil was interviewed and ruled out planning or preparing for unity referendums in the lifetime of the current government, When pushed about his vision for 2075 he could not even use the phrase united Ireland!
Martin represents the status quo mindset, that I guess, Leo Varadkar was addressing. Hiding behind a “now is not the time” manta to cover up for their lack of vision. Holding back progress to hold on to power and position.
In refusing to plan, prepare, or countenance unity referendums Micheál Martin is seeking to exercise an effective veto on the rights of the people to determine their constitutional future. A position that is an undermining of the Good Friday Agreement, an abdication of a constitutional imperative, and a refusal to vindicate the rights of Irish citizens to self-determination north and south.
Change must come from below. Irish governments and Taoisigh come and go. Their positions can be changed by popular opinion.
I do not doubt that if an Irish government began a serious process of planning for unity it would have the support of Oireachtas and the Irish nation at home or abroad. To do so would be wholly consistent with the Good Friday Agreement, a surprise to no one and a relief to many.
This Easter we must continue to build a unity of purpose for constitutional change with or without Micheál Martin.
I have an image of a small man calling out, “now is not the time, it should be all about building relationships ”, as the volunteers marched to the GPO.
Thankfully the Volunteers marched on and the rest is history.
Have a great weekend and remember to wear an Easter lily to honor Ireland’s patriots.
Is mise,
Ciarán
Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America
