Calls for Irish unification in Waterford amid ‘growing national discussion’

Waterford City and County Council has voted in favour of writing to Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss the prospect of Irish unity.

The motion was tabled by eight Sinn Féin councillors at the council’s December plenary meeting.

It was read by Cllr Donnacha Mulcachy, and was stated as follows: “That Waterford City & County Council recognises that the reunification of Ireland is an objective of Bunreacht na hÉireann, and that there is a growing national discussion around constitutional change, with people from diverse backgrounds now engaging with and exploring the possibility of Irish unity.”

The motion went on to describe the role of the Good Friday Agreement in potentially bringing about Irish unity.

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Cllr Mulcachy stated: “The Council further notes that the Good Friday Agreement (1998) provides the democratic and peaceful mechanism to achieve reunification through the provision of unity referendums, and that the significant Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement report, ‘Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics’, recommends the establishment of Citizens’ Assemblies and other relevant forums, a designated Joint Oireachtas Committee, and a Government Department to take responsibility for planning and preparing for constitutional change — proposals which received cross-party support.”

The Sinn Féin councillor then outlined what the motion calls on the council to undertake.

“Therefore, this Council resolves to write to the Office of An Taoiseach, calling on the Irish Government to actively plan and prepare for Irish unity by establishing an all-island representative Citizens’ Assembly or Assemblies to allow for informed debate and inclusive dialogue, and a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity to enable careful and structured planning.

“It further calls on Government to produce and publish a clear plan towards Irish unity in conjunction with civic society and key stakeholders, to engage constructively with northern Protestant and unionist opinion regarding the future constitutional status of Ireland, and to work to secure a date for the unity referendums as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Eamon Quinlan welcomed what he described as a “great motion”, but suggested a small amendment.

He proposed that the council also write to the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill.

He acknowledged that a united Ireland could only come about if the majority of people in Northern Ireland voted for it.
The Sinn Féin councillors agreed to the amendment and the motion was convincingly passed.

Waterford City and County Council will now write to the Taoiseach and the First Minister of Northern Ireland regarding the prospect of unification.