Unity should not be viewed as a single event, but as a process of collaboration’ Sligo Fine Gael Minister of State, Frank Feighan has said.
More than 50 Fine Gael members gathered at the Clayton Hotel Sligo recently to discuss the party’s All-Island Blueprint and provide their views and ideas to help shape the party’s report currently being prepared with the assistance of Professor Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University.
Minister Feighan discussed how any serious conversation about the future of this island must begin with listening, preparation and a willingness to engage openly and collaboratively with the practical challenges involved.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it is right that we engage in an informed, mature and respectful discussion about our shared future.
“Any future unity on this island should not be viewed as a single event, but as a process requiring leadership, generosity, dialogue and trust.”
The Sligo meeting forms part of Fine Gael’s wider consultation process following the announcement by Tánaiste Simon Harris in June that the party would develop a blueprint for a United Island ahead of its Ard Fheis in November.
The process is being led by Fine Gael’s Northern Ireland Engagement Group and facilitated by Professor Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University.
The blueprint is intended to examine, in practical terms, what a unified island could mean politically, economically and societally.
Minister Feighan said it was important that Fine Gael’s work was informed not only by political discussion, but by evidence and engagement.
“Having been involved with the Northern Ireland Engagement Group since its establishment, I have seen first-hand the value of sustained engagement across communities and traditions.
“This process is about asking the difficult questions and making sure that we properly understand the opportunities, challenges and concerns that would arise from any future unity.
“Professor Heenan’s involvement will help ensure that this work is rigorous, balanced and grounded in evidence. But equally important is hearing directly from our members and ensuring their experience and ideas feed into the work.
“The groundwork for any future must begin now. If we are serious about preparing for that future, it must be built on long-term, durable consent and a genuine understanding of the different identities and traditions that make up this island.”
Councillors, Dara Mulvey, Cathaoirleach of Sligo Co Council, Gerard Mullaney and Fergal Nealon contributed to the meeting alongside Leitrim Cllr. Enda Mc Gloin. .