In these tumultuous times now before us — with political change now a real possibility — we must prepare, and be better prepared, for the event of change and must have our ducks in a row. We cannot afford to be found wanting, in this moment, and must grasp and seize the initiative. In this moment of historic import, we must present and position the Republic front and centre. In the words of the great James Connolly, it must be made a word to conjure with.
Should we manage to achieve Irish Unity, or agreement towards such being effected, we must move speedily to the election of a 32-county constituent assembly — to the drafting, there, of a new constitution for an independent 32-county republic. A charter of fundamental rights should likewise here be set towards. The outcome of this deliberation — the political arrangements there set towards — can then be put to the Irish people by national referendum.
In an Irish Unity scenario, we must work to ensure that the future is forged by the Irish people alone — inclusive of our differing identities and traditions but with no role for Britain to be granted, come this process. In the context of movement towards Irish Unity, the only forward role for Britain can be to leave Ireland entirely — as she ought to have done long ago.
Sean Bresnahan is an independent Republican from Co. Tyrone who blogs @ Claidheamh Soluis. Follow Sean Bresnahan on Twitter @bres79
Sean
ReplyDeleteWill your brave New Ireland be part of the EU or a paler version of the utopia that Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage is promising? You seem to be showing a callous disregard for the catastrophic effects that Brexit will have for all those economic activities which daily criss-cross what is currently an invisible border. So easy to luxuriate in the land of never-never while others pay the price.
Hi Barry, Sean didn't say a word about an Irish exit from the EU. So he in all probability is effectively simply suggesting that the north stays in the EU - which is an obvious solution and way to avoid the chaos you rightly refer to. Anyone working against Irish unity is the one showing "callous disregard". There is a slim chance he is also calling for an Irish withdrawal from the EU; but, until there is even a scrap of evidence for that, your attack on him seems premature?
ReplyDeleteNowhere in his piece does he acknowledge the fact that NI voted 56% to remain. I recall that in previous posts that he welcomes Brexit because of the opportunities that it pressents for his version of Republicanism. If I am wrong then I apologise but it is reaasonable to ask whether he supportsd membership of the EU or not.
DeleteI personally waht a complete withdrawal form the EU aswll as Westminster...If a question appears on a ballot paper saying withdraw for the EU/London and leave Ireland alone to sort out it's own problems..Then a OIOV..will get my vote..
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