A chara, - In his eagerness to castigate Sinn Fein, John Newman (August 3rd) jumps to erroneous conclusions about our proposals for Northern representation in the Oireachtas. Contrary to Mr Newman's assertion, this matter is being considered by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution. The committee is due to publish a report by the end of November which, according to the committee itself, will be "dealing with the institutions of state, including the electoral system and the issue of how people living in Northern Ireland might play a more active part in national political life to the extent that they so desire and in a spirit consistent with the principles underlying the peace settlement."
In Sinn Fein's view, one of the most important ways to allow citizens in the Six Counties to play a more active part in national political life would be the right to send representatives to the Oireachtas. This could be done by giving the right to attend and speak as consultative members of the Dail to all Westminster MPs elected in the Six Counties. We also advocate full voting rights for citizens registered on the electoral lists in the Six Counties in referendums and presidential elections.
The likely initial non-participation of Unionist representatives should obviously be noted, but should not be a consideration in asserting the right of all citizens to representation and in deciding how best to facilitate that representation. The right to representation would apply to all MPs elected in the Six Counties regardless of political affiliation. Tens of thousands of people elect their parliamentary representatives in the North as Irish legislators, rather than oath-bound participants in the Westminster parliament. These people are currently denied access to a parliamentary forum.
The amended Article 2 of the 1937 Constitution states: "It is the entitlement and birthright of every person born on the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, to be part of the Irish nation. That is also the entitlement of all persons otherwise qualified in accordance with law to be citizens of Ireland ..."
The inclusion of the above assertion was a key factor in the securing of a Yes vote in the referendum in the 26 Counties. This places a special onus upon the Irish Government to ensure that the rights of Irish citizens are vindicated. We must move beyond the outdated anti-Sinn Fein agenda of those like Mr Newman who wish to turn the clock back. If a new era has truly begun on this island, then new ways of thinking and new institutions must transcend partition and the equal rights of all citizens must be paramount. - Is mise,
Caoimhghin O Caolain, TD,
Teach Laighean,
Baile Atha Cliath 2.