Legislation will allow for planning on Irish unity - SF

Sinn Féin has put forward legislation designed to initiate preparations for a united Ireland, aiming to ensure a "fully informed, calm debate" when referendums are eventually held. The bill, if passed, would mandate the Taoiseach to present a Green Paper within 18 months, detailing the implications of constitutional change.

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That we have a fully informed, respectful, calm, orderly debate in which every citizen, every sector of Irish society - north and south and people of all political persuasions - feel that they have been given the space, the time to be informed, to be engaged to formulate their opinions, to express those to change their opinions if that is the case.

Central to the party's proposal is the establishment of a Citizens' Assembly. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald stated that this body would examine the ramifications of Irish unity, allowing citizens from all political backgrounds across the island to engage in a "respectful, calm, orderly debate." She stressed the need to "grasp the substantial opportunities that reunification can present" and ensure an "inclusive and entirely peaceful process."

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we can grasp the substantial opportunities that reunification can present and ensure that we are equipped to have an orderly, democratic, respectful and inclusive and entirely peaceful process.

McDonald also addressed concerns about the economic cost of reunification, dismissing widely quoted figures of €10-€14 billion annually as "huge, inflated." She argued that these estimates often include expenses like pensions and defense spending, and that academic research refutes the idea that the subvention is unmanageable. Instead, she highlighted the "enormous" potential for economic growth, investment, and integrated infrastructural planning on the island, describing it as a "win, win, win scenario."

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huge, inflated figures are quoted

The party leader welcomed Fine Gael's recent proposal to develop a blueprint for a unified Ireland, which aims to outline practical, political, economic, and societal aspects of unity. McDonald believes this collaborative approach will contribute to a well-informed discussion on the island's future.

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It is a win, win, win scenario for the entire island.