Politics

United Ireland would be the ‘most desirable outcome’, Bertie Ahern says

‘Hard yards’ required to demonstrate that unionists and their traditions would be respected, former taoiseach says in advance of New Ireland Commission event

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Irish unity is 'not a short-term goal'. Photograph: Alan Betson

Tue May 7 2024 - 00:01

A united Ireland would be the “most desirable outcome for people and communities across Ireland”, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.

The former Fianna Fáil leader, who played a significant part in talks leading to the Belfast Agreement in 1998, said unity is “not a short-term goal”. He also challenged those who backed a united Ireland to be prepared to “put in the hard yards”.

Mr Ahern is set to take part in a New Ireland Commission event at Leinster House on Tuesday. The discussion is set to focus on the SDLP initiative’s mission to build a “detailed prospectus for Irish unity, building on the experience of leaders across Ireland who spilled their sweat for peace”.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Ahern said: “I fundamentally believe that the vision for a new Ireland based on the consent of the people who share this island, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, is not just possible but it is the most desirable outcome for people and communities across Ireland.

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“All of those who believe in change must be committed to putting in the hard yards to build a prospectus that reaches across traditional divides and demonstrates to our unionist neighbours that they will be respected, their traditions will be cherished and their children will be at home in the new Ireland we build together.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the party is “committed to engaging with people and communities across these islands to build a prospectus for change”.

“Indeed, we believe we are best placed to bridge the gaps between our communities,” he said. “I look forward to hearing from Bertie and to building on the work of creating a new Ireland for everyone.” – PA

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