Tanaiste Simon Harris has stated that no single political party “owns the conversation on Irish unity,” including his own Fine Gael. He called for broad involvement in discussions about the island's future.
Speaking after Fine Gael announced plans to develop a “blueprint for a unified island” by November, Harris emphasized the importance of respectful engagement. “If and when our island is unified, this has to be a home for everybody, for people of all traditions,” he told media in Dublin on Monday.
Harris noted that the Irish flag includes orange for a specific reason, highlighting the need to respect both traditions. He argued that moving toward unity should be more than just about consent as per the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. “It’s about this being an exciting journey that people want to be on, and it’s about being honest with people, what are the costs, what would look different in relation to public services, what are the benefits,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin is set to introduce legislation in the Irish Parliament to compel the government to actively prepare for unity. The proposed law would require a green paper on Irish unity, establish a citizens’ assembly, and mandate progress reports to the Oireachtas.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald described the legislation as “unprecedented.” She welcomed Fine Gael's blueprint announcement but urged Tanaiste Harris to convince coalition partners Fianna Fáil to act. “There will be a referendum. Our objective is to secure that by the year 2030 but the referendums will happen and the preparations need to be made now,” she said.
McDonald stressed that engagement must include unionism and all sectors of society. “The Dublin government has to lead in this,” she added, predicting that official government action would prompt widespread participation.
