Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD and Deputy Leader Michelle O’Neill MLA attended the ceremony in Dublin Castle to mark the commencement of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mary Lou McDonald said, “Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union comes at a defining moment for Europe and for Ireland. It provides an opportunity to show leadership, advance Ireland’s national interests and help shape the future direction of the European Union.
“For Sinn Féin, there are three clear priorities.
“First, preparing for Irish unity. The European Union has already recognised that, following reunification, the whole island of Ireland would seamlessly remain within the European Union. The Irish Government should use this Presidency to initiate structured engagement with European partners on the practical preparations required for constitutional change. Responsible governments prepare for foreseeable constitutional change. The time to begin that work is now.
“As the only all-Ireland party represented in the European Parliament, the Oireachtas, the Assembly and councils across this island, Sinn Féin will work with partners across Europe to ensure that preparations for Irish unity move from aspiration to practical planning.
“Second, standing up for workers, families, farmers and communities. Across Ireland, people continue to struggle with soaring living costs, while workers, farmers and rural communities face growing uncertainty. Ireland should use its Presidency to champion policies that protect jobs, support family farms, strengthen public services, deliver affordable energy and housing, and ensure that economic progress works for ordinary, working people.
“Third, standing up for peace, international law and Ireland’s military neutrality. Ireland has earned respect across the world as an independent voice for peace, diplomacy and UN peacekeeping. At a time when conflict is increasing and some seek to redefine the European Union through the prism of militarisation, Ireland’s Presidency should instead champion dialogue, conflict resolution, humanitarian action and respect for international law.
“The government has been moving steadily away from Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality, most recently through its attempts to dismantle the Triple Lock. Sinn Féin rejects that approach. Our neutrality is a strength, not a weakness. Ireland should use its Presidency to ensure that the distinctive and valuable contribution of militarily neutral member states is recognised and respected within the European Union.
“Ireland’s Presidency should be defined by ambition, fairness and leadership. It should prepare responsibly for Ireland’s constitutional future, stand with workers and families facing real economic pressures, and uphold the values of peace, democracy and international law.
“These are the priorities that Sinn Féin will champion throughout Ireland’s Presidency.”
