The New Ireland Commission has welcomed the strong mandate provided to parties with robust manifesto pledges on Irish unity following last week’s general election.
Colum Eastwood MP, Chair of the New Ireland Commission, has said that the parties capable of forming the next Irish Government share enough common ground to create meaningful commitments to advance reunification during Programme for Government negotiations.
Mr Eastwood has written to leaders and chief negotiators in each party to make the case for a common platform.
Colum Eastwood MP said:
“Last week’s general election was a watershed moment for those of us interested in addressing the serious challenges facing our island through Irish unity. Each party with a stake in the formation of the next Irish Government set out in their manifesto the clear steps they would take to advance reunification if they enter government buildings. That, in itself, is a good place to be in.
“As parties now begin to grapple with coalition arrangements and the detailed work of preparing a Programme for Government, we have an opportunity to build a common platform for change. The New Ireland Commission undertook an assessment of commitments to unity during the election campaign and we are confident that the parties, in spite of differences in other areas, share substantial common ground on how government can meaningfully advance the reunification of our island.
“I have reached out to the leaders and chief negotiators in each party to make that case as PfG negotiations begin in earnest. This is an opportunity for people from every political background to come together to pursue a common goal. I look forward to working with the parties to make that happen.”