MR JUSTICE RICHARD HUMPHREYS • ANNA MCHUGH • PROFESSOR COLIN HARVEY BERNARDINE QUINN • PATRICIA MACBRIDE • EMMA DE SOUZA • SENATOR DANIEL HOLDER • SENATOR IAN MARSHALL • PADDY TIERNEY • MARTINA DEVLIN • NIALL MURPHY 18 OPINION WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30 2019

Pro fide et patria Irish passport office needed VIDENCE, if it were needed, of the in- creased demand for Irish passports Eahead of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU can be found in the fact that some post offices in have run out of application forms. A number of post offices put up signs saying it could be the end of February be- fore they receive new stock, which cannot be viewed as an acceptable situation. Among the outlets affected is the main Belfast city centre post office on Bridge Street. Printing additional forms should not be an insurmountable problem and yester- day the Republic’s department of foreign affairs confirmed that new forms have been dispatched and stocks should be re- plenished within days. However, the fact that there are short- ages at all will reinforce calls for the Irish government to open an office in the north to deal with the number of people apply- ing for an Irish passport. n Prints of Ian Knox cartoons are available to buy from £15 at shop.irishnews.com The demand is clearly there. Irish gov- ernment figures show nearly 85,000 peo- ple from Northern Ireland applied for passports in 2018, a 2 per cent increase on the previous year. The number of applications has grown since the referendum result in June Ignorance of Irish 2016 and demand is likely to intensify as the deadline approaches for withdrawal on March 29. The absence of an agreed arrangement for dealing with the immediate aftermath of Brexit and fears of a no-deal will add to the sense of concern many people have government plain about the months ahead. While the Irish government has correctly ATURDAY’S Waterfront Hall the false equivalence peddled by the Irish pointed out that anyone wishing to renew conference on ‘Beyond Brexit’ was government. How about telling the truth their passport can do so online, there are not only the biggest political event Brian for a change? plainly large numbers of people applying in the north this century, it was the The reason there’s no executive is because Sbiggest political event for more than a of the DUP and the British government. for the first time for whom additional sup- Feeney port would be appreciated. generation. Sinn Féin wanted an executive and agreed Around 1,600 people from all nationalist a bad deal with the DUP to get into one As well as a practical purpose, a passport parties on the island, many from no party and the DUP ratted on it. Sinn Féin leaked office would have a symbolic role, sending and some unionists, gave up their Saturday the deal and when nationalists saw how out an important message from the Irish at three weeks notice or less, to listen to bad it was Sinn Féin realised only then the government to Irish citizens in the north speeches and diverse panels discussing Gael to exclude Sinn Féin? nationalist electorate was ahead of them in in what are uncertain political times. the Ireland of the future. Many others Cutting through their platitudes and rejection of the notion of an executive run watched the live stream on Periscope and padding, they both said the priority is to on the basis of a DUP veto on progress on thousands watched the replays. get an executive up and running and that human rights and nationalist aspirations. Sadly, analysis of such a huge, visual there can’t be a border poll. Gutless, futile, The British government, supposed to be Preserve castle media-friendly event on local TV was infuriating. A merry-go-round with the ‘rigorously impartial’, backs the DUP to the meagre, about two minutes on Sunday’s same cheap, run of the mill musak playing hilt in this denial of rights and progress. Politics Show and thereafter nothing; what endlessly. The speakers from the south Here’s the most telling point. The Irish link to our past coverage there was, framed in negative were addressing the wrong conference. government doesn’t know it was a bad deal terms. They would have been applauded at the and when told, doesn’t understand why it OLONEL Edward Saunderson, a That’s a pity because there were was bad. prominent political figure who died two important messages to take Worse, northern nationalists aren’t in 1906, was at the heart of what away from the Waterfront Hall. The allowed to propose a border poll if C first is the complete disconnect It has not penetrated the there’s a no-deal Brexit despite that was once a strong unionist tradition in Co of the Irish government from the being the only guaranteed route back Cavan. reality of northern nationalism miasma of complacency in into the EU. It’s also, as Professor Colin As a leading Orangeman, a staunch op- and secondly, the complete that the executive has Harvey pointed out on Saturday, ‘the ponent of home rule and an MP who disenchantment of nationalists democratically endorsed constitutional played a key role in the events leading to with a Stormont assembly, or as been in crisis since 2012 with compromise intended to underpin the launch of the , his Allison Morris of this parish put it in interminable talks sessions relationships on this island…Are people thoughts on the subsequent partition of December, ‘Nationalists are so over supposed to pretend there is not an Ireland which left his native county on the Stormont, all the focus now is on a every autumn since, each anticipated and agreed solution to a New Ireland.’ leading nowhere hard border on this island?’ In Harvey’s southern side of the border would have The Irish government sent a words, ‘the solution that dare not speak been intriguing. minister to make a boilerplate its name?’ His family mansion on a 300-acre estate speech that was heard mainly in A border poll is ‘toxic’, ‘divisive’, near Belturbet is on the site of the 14th- polite silence because it was so far from Conservative party conference because ‘destabilising’ and worse, even though it’s century Breffni Castle, and by any stan- addressing the alienation of northern the NIO and British prime minister would enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement. dards, as we report today, is a building nationalists and their immediate concerns have been saying exactly the same. However, Brexit is OK to push through, of immense historical and architectural that it was a perfect illustration of the It has not penetrated the miasma of even though a majority here voted significance. problem in Dublin. Fianna Fáil’s deputy complacency in Dublin that the executive decisively against it. Is it not toxic, It is concerning that, after changing leader made the worst speech of the day; has been in crisis since 2012 with divisive, destabilising and worse? dire, droning on and on, boring, repetitive, interminable talks sessions every autumn The sad truth is that you’re not allowed hands on a number of occasions, it has addressing the same stale, obsolete points since, each leading nowhere. Look, there to suggest a border poll, even in the fallen into disrepair. It is essential that the as the government minister. Then of isn’t going to be an executive until there’s event of a no-deal Brexit, because the authorities find ways of preserving and course Fianna Fáil is in cahoots with the a new British government and probably Irish government would have a collective protecting an important link with our past. government isn’t it, conspiring with Fine not then either. The infuriating aspect is nervous breakdown.

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IRELAND’S FUTURE OUR RIGHTS - OUR FUTURE THE FUTURE OF IRELAND

Canal Court Hotel, Newry Niall Murphy Anna McHugh 7pm - 9:15pm Thursday 9th May

Clár

19:00 Niall Murphy - Fáilte Emma de Souza Daniel Holder

19:15 Panel Discussion - Our Rights 19:45 Audience Q&A Chair Anna McHugh Panel Emma de Souza Daniel Holder Padraig Ó Tiarnaigh Bernardine Quinn Padraig Ó Tiarnaigh Bernardine Quinn

20:15 Panel Discussion - Our Future 20:45 Audience Q&A Chair Patricia MacBride Patricia MacBride Richard Humphreys Panel Mr Justice Richard Humphreys Professor Colin Harvey Senator Frances Black Senator Ian Marshall

Martina Devlin Colin Harvey Senator Frances Black

21:15 Closing remarks

Senator Ian Marshall Martina Devlin

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IRELAND’S FUTURE 6 NEWS THURSDAY JANUARY 24 2019 BREXIT Play your part in helping to shape our country’s future HEN over 200 Irish citizens from the north PLATFORM signed an open letter to An Leo WVaradkar in December 2017 it came Niall at the end of a tumultuous and Murphy politically defining year. That January, the Good Friday Agreement political institutions This culmination of events and collapsed amidst the political and concerns motivated me and others financial scandal of RHI. to make the first direct public It served to confirm the growing appeal to to stand up view of northern nationalists and speak out in defence of Irish that political unionism was not citizens’ rights in the north. committed to proper power We were not surprised to discover sharing. that many from across all sectors The disrespect for the Irish in society had no national identity and repeated hesitation in adding mockery of the Irish language by their names to this DUP elected representatives, the initiative. Indeed, punitive scrapping of the Liofa in the aftermath of bursary scheme by a DUP minister, the publication of and then insults from that party’s the letter the only leader during the March assembly complaint received election mobilised the nationalist was from people and republican electorate: in turn annoyed that they the unionist political majority in the weren’t asked. n GROWING DISCONTENT: Despite a series of meetings with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Simon assembly was ended. We felt it was essential Coveney, a deep discontent among Irish citizens in the north has remained intact Increased unionist belligerence that Irish citizens continued, and then, the nationalist in the north heard coupled with the Brexit has changed everything. Old organised. constituency sent a stark message reassurance from continuing politicial crisis certainties have gone. We seek to provide a space for a during the subsequent Westminster the Irish government and denial of rights and democracy Conversations about the future, discussion to begin. It has to begin election, that it was turning its back that the reality of abandonment in the north, our civic initiative and future constitutional change, somewhere.We believe this is the on Westminster. experienced by our parents and decided to write to An Taoiseach are happening in unexpected right time to have a conversation Of course, the political process grandparents would not be visited again. places. about the future. Failure to in the north had already been upon our generation. This time, in November 2018, over Citizens who once looked to encourage and embrace that seriously destabilised due to the An Taoiseach pronounced that 1,000 citizens endorsed another Westminster are now considering potential would be reckless and result of the EU Referendum in northern nationalists “will never direct appeal to An Taoiseach and new scenarios. New arrangements irresponsible. 2016, when a majority of people in again be left behind by an Irish his government to act in defence and new relationships are being Our children and new generations the north voted to remain in the government”. And yet despite a of the Good Friday Agreement and considered. Ireland has changed deserve a better future, better than EU. series of meetings with both An citizens’ rights. dramatically over the course of the our past. The British government ignored Taoiseach and Tanaiste, Simon Most significantly, between past 20 years. The north has been So come along and have your say that democratic result and the Coveney, and further statements December 2017 and November left behind. British government this Saturday. Play your part in emerging negative implications of from both, the deep discontent 2018, the nationalist discontent to policy has turned it into a political helping shape the future of our Brexit became major talking points. which we helped to highlight which we gave popular expression and economic back water. country. The potential reinforcement of throughout 2017 has remained has not only grown, in fact a The veto of the DUP and others in Register at https://www. partition, the erosion of citizen’s intact. seismic shift has occurred within political unionism has blocked the eventbrite.ie/e/beyond-brexit- rights, the undermining of the As a result of the increased wider nationalist opinion. development of a shared, secular registration-49981301418. The event Good Friday Agreement, and the political disarray at Westminster, Having turned its back on society based on rights, civil will commence sharp at 11am, with denial of the democratic wish of the in fighting within the British Westminster in June 2017, liberties and anti-sectarianism. registration desks open from 10am. the north to remain in the EU, all Conservative Party and British nationalism is now looking beyond It is within this context that the n Niall Murphy is an organiser became mainstreamed as profound government, and the destructive the parameters of what was the Beyond Brexit – the Future of of Beyond Brexit – the Future of concerns in daily conversation. influence of the DUP on both; northern state. Ireland conference has been Ireland conference. Fears over growing risk to children’s health Jane Kirby the sugar tax on soft drinks, re- strictions on junk food marketing REXIT poses a real risk to and more help for overweight the health of children in children. Bthe UK, with concerns over But it said no progress has been recruiting specialist doctors made on extending the smoking and access to research funding, ban to schools, sports fields, play- according to a new report. grounds and NHS premises. The study, from the Royal Col- There has also been little pro- lege of Paediatrics and Child gress in medicines for diseases Health (RCPCH), welcomed a that only affect children and there government shift towards prior- remains a real concern that Brex- itising child health through initia- it will mean “the framework and tives such as tackling obesity and standing in the UK in relation to poor mental health but warned of n REPORT: The study from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health children’s medicines develop- problems ahead. said progress on child health in Northern Ireland has been poor ment will be lost”. The report also called for more The study added: “We are enter- to be done on child poverty, say- The study is made up of a score- ty and protect children from alco- ing a period of change and uncer- ing cuts to early-years services card on how much progress has hol. But it said progress on child tainty. The UK’s exit from the EU and public health funding were been made towards recommenda- health has been poor in Northern raises concerns about ongoing ac- causing damage. tions contained in a 2017 RCPCH Ireland. cess to important EU funding for It also pointed to the UK’s poor report. In England, there has been child health and potential detri- breastfeeding rates – some of the It commended the Scottish gov- “substantial investment” in com- mental impact with respect to ac- lowest in the world – which are no ernment for its plans to tackle munity-based mental health ser- cess to medicines and other forms longer measured after the UK in- child poverty, obesity and poor vices to ensure children can get of treatment.” fant feeding survey was scrapped mental health, and said Wales had specialist care. in 2015. introduced measures to cut obesi- On obesity, the report welcomed  Editorial  P20

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IRELAND’S FUTURE FRIDAY JANUARY 25 2019 NEWS 5 BREXIT Organic movement is culmination of hard work by everyday people event’s discussions about saying he has been involved As civic nationalism gathers at the shape of a future, united in many debates and discus- Belfast’s Waterfront Hall to assess Ireland, Mr Carlile is unapolo- sions involving those with getic, believing Brexit is a diametrically opposed views the impact of Brexit for northern catalyst for the unity project on Brexit and on the consti- nationalists, political correspondent and that all of those who sub- tutional question, but that scribe to the idea must start tomorrow’s conference isn’t John Manley talks to some working towards a shared one of them. of the main protagonists vision. “This is a forum primarily “Increasingly people, includ- to explore issues of concern about the conference’s aims ing those from a traditionally and interest for Irish citizens unionist background, are ask- in the north resulting from and expectations ing questions about a united Brexit, with input from policy Ireland,” he says. experts and commentators OMORROW’S ‘Beyond taoiseach to fulfil his promise “We believe it’s up to the on these themes,” he says. Brexit’ event repre- that northern nationalists Dublin government and oth- “It is also a platform for sents the culmination “will never again be left be- ers to provide answers to pro-unity political figures to of months of work by hind by an Irish government”. these questions.” outline their plans for meet- Tpeople who are busy else- In recent decades he has The event has faced crit- ing the challenges arising where in their everyday lives. seen the border city trans- icism from Irish News col- from those concerns and in- Yet the lawyers, teachers, en- form from an unemployment umnist Tom Kelly, who while terests, and to continue the trepreneurs and sports peo- black spot to an economic welcoming the conference’s discussion about how we ple who have got behind this powerhouse, where high val- focus on Brexit, believes po- credibly advance a united organic movement believe ue-added businesses like First litical unionism should not be Ireland agenda into the too much is a stake to leave Derivatives, MJM Group and excluded. future.” this unpredictable process Norbrook have thousands of impact will be manifold, toral politics – it’s a civic ap- “We need more compro- He adds, that everyone is solely to the politicians. For skilled workers on the pay- affecting funding, staffing proach,” he says. mise, more conversations welcome to attend: “Not least the organisers, the event is roll. Mr Patterson, levels, access to treatment “To a degree, we want to across communities – not because we are very con- essentially about safeguard- pictured, regards abroad, cross-border co- move it away from political within them,” he wrote earlier scious that many of the Brex- ing the rights and interests of himself as an “in- operation, and the ability parties, because that way we this week. it-related concerns are shared those in the north who identi- ternationalist” to combat communicable may have a better chance of Commentator and event by people across all sections fy as Irish. rather than a na- diseases. succeeding in our aims.” co-organiser Chris Donnelly of the community in the north Ahead of Brexit, when devo- tionalist but easily “Brexit will be catastrophic When asked about the doesn’t accept the criticism, of Ireland.” lution was operational, they identifies with the for a health service that is al- felt their identity was protect- concerns voiced by fellow ready at total breaking point, ed and the political process, signatories. with waiting lists the highest while flawed, was endeav- “I feel privileged to be part in Europe,” she says. ouring to acknowledge their of the generation that saw Ms Cullen hopes tomorrow aspirations. this area transform and that will ignite a debate that will But in little over two years, change was facilitated by continue in earnest long after the political landscape has EU-backed infrastructure – the 1,000-plus expected at the been transformed by the EU the motorway, the rail links, Waterfront have gone home. referendum result and the Warrenpoint Port,” he says. Belfast-based entrepreneur collapse of Stormont. Relative “If ever there was an exam- Gerry Carlile, pictured, says stability has been replaced ple of a successful Keynesian the movement by uncertainty, while political investment model this is it, that has coalesced progress, albeit sluggish, has because the private mon- around concern been usurped by inertia and ey soon followed, but now about Brexit came heightened animosity. When Brexit threatens to turn back about through the increased possibility of a the clock.” “conversations on hard border is added to this Pat Cullen, the former di- the sides of foot- toxic mix, it’s easy to see un- rector of nursing at the Pub- ball pitches, in school car derstand growing nationalist lic Health Agency, pictured, parks and in coffee shops and anxiety. is foremost worried about bars”. He stresses that there’s Conor Patterson is chief ex- the consequences no ambition to turn the pro- ecutive of Newry and Mourne that severing ties ject into a “capital P” political Cooperative and Enterprise with Brussels will vehicle. Agency and among 1,000 sig- have on the health “With the exception of John natories to November’s letter sector. Finucane, none of the core to Leo Varadkar, calling on the She says the organisers is involved in elec- Lightbody says hard border ‘worst thing possible’ NOW Patrol frontman island in the years before every touring band with Gary Lightbody has that. British passports, of course Ssaid a hard border as a “It’s not a time to put that it will. I have this hope that result of Brexit would be the hard border back up again, something happens that gets “worst thing possible”. it’s really not. It would be resolved and we don’t go into The rock band’s the worst thing possible. It’s Brexit,” he said. lead singer, really bad. Whatever scenario “At this point it is such chaos pictured, said it we end up in I hope there is and it is so disorganised was “extremely no border that goes back up that any kind of scenario worrying” as again.” seems like it is going to affect Northern Ireland Lightbody, whose band people negatively, and if it is still recovering from the were yesterday announced doesn’t happen then there Troubles. as headliners of Latitude are negative connotations for Lightbody, from Bangor in festival in England this that too. Co Down, said: “We are still summer, also said he feared “Personally, I voted to remain recovering from the events Brexit would complicate the – I’m going to wear that on of the thirtysomething years group’s international touring my sleeve. I didn’t want of the Troubles, and all our commitments. Brexit to happen but it looks history of our tumultuous “Of course it will affect like it might.”

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IRELAND’S FUTURE 2 NEWS MONDAY JANUARY 28 2019 Weather CIVIC NATIONALISM EVENT TodayinIreland Afew showers during the morning.However, brighter later on with showers mostly across western areas.There will be a freshening north- westerly wind. Max temp 6-9C Hardening (43-48F). Sea temp 10C (50F). 10 of border ‘bolsters

Sun&Moon case for

Sunrise8.16amSunset 4.59pm Lightingup: Moonrise1.28amMoonset 11.48am 4.59pmto8.14am AirPollution unity poll’ RuralCitiesRoadside Belfast 2 (Low) 2 (Low) 2 (Low) Dublin 2 (Low) 2 (Low) 2 (Low) John Manley Galway 3 (Low) 3 (Low) 3 (Low) Political Correspondent But Sinn [email protected] Low (1-3) Moderate (4-6) High (7-9) V. High (10) INN Féin and the SDLP are Féin and TodayinUlster at odds over the timing of a unity referendum with n SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR: republicans arguing that SDLP at Mary Lou McDonald and Colum Sany hardening of the border will Eastwood at the Beyond Brexit reinforce the case for a border odds over event at the Waterfront Hall poll. PICTURES: Mal McCann The leaders of both parties were among a number of speakers who timing of 15 addressed an audience of around 1,500 at Saturday’s Beyond Brexit conference in Belfast’s Waterfront referendum Hall. The event was organised by the miss any prospect of a unity group of civic nationalists who referendum. A rather cloudy day with showers, particularly last November wrote an open let- She issued a direct message to across western areas during the afternoon. There ter to Leo Varadkar, calling on the the unionist community, saying will be freshening westerly winds. Max temp 3-6C taoiseach to protect the rights of they would “have a home in a unit- (37-43F). Sea temp 9C (48F). Irish citizens after Brexit. ed Ireland”. It was signed by more than 1,000 “You will have a place at the Four-day Outlook lawyers, business owners, teach- table, a place at the centre of po- ers and sportspeople. litical life and not [be] left in the Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday The conference also heard from margins of Westminster,” she said. education minister “The Protestant, loyalist and un- Joe McHugh and Fianna Fáil ionist community are part of the , fabric and diversity of our nation as well as a range of nationalist and they must be part of the dis- 4C (39C) 5C (41F) 5C (41F) 6C (43F) commentators. cussion in shaping the new Ire- -2C(28F) -2C(28F) 0C (32F) 0C (32F) Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou land and be partners in building McDonald, who last year was a new Ireland – our shared and forced to row back after saying often troubled history can be rec- n GOOD TO TALK: Professor Jim Dornan, Kevin Meagher and Frances Black; Ireland yesterday a border poll should be delayed, onciled.” Alasdair McDonnell and former Irish presidential candidate Peter Casey; Irish °C °F °C °F said crashing out of the EU with no However, SDLP leader Colum language campaigner Katy Rose Mead; and Athlone f 5 41 Kilkenny f541 deal would lead to a hardening of Eastwood said now was not the Belfast s 5 41 Newry sh 439 the border, prompting increased right time for a border poll. many different ways,” he said. Queen’s University’s Professor Birr f 5 41 Rosslare f 6 43 demand for a vote on Irish unity. He said some unionists were “We are doing everything Colin Harvey said Arlene Foster’s Cavan sh 439 Shannon c745 She called on the Dublin gov- “willing to engage and explore we possibly can to pre- party was “running around Eu- Cork r 6 43 Tralee c846 ernment to convene a forum in a new possibilities” and that they pare for and mitigate those rope” attempting to self-harm the sh 643 Valentia c 8 46 bid to begin planning for reunifi- should have nothing to fear from impacts.” north. Dublin s 5 41 Westport sh 643 cation. a conversation about Irish unity Mr Calleary said Brexit had He also defended the event’s or- Dundalk f 5 41 Wicklow s541 Mrs McDonald said the British “based on persuasion and con- “consumed” the political systems ganisers for not inviting unionists Brexiteers’ “policy of isolation” sent”. on both sides of the Irish Sea, to speak at the conference. FULL INDEX would not be tolerated. “My appeal to unionism is this meaning other issues had been “Let me absolutely clear, we An tEolas...... P23 “A crash means a hardening of – try to convince us of your vi- “minimised and forgotten about”. apologise to no-one for being here the border and the loss of rights sion for the future and we’ll try “The issues about health, home- today and having the conversa- Business...... P28 and continued uncertainty and in- to convince you of ours, and then lessness, infrastructure, are all tion about the rights of Irish citi- Classifieds...... P44,45 stability – a hardening of the bor- in time let the people decide,” he relegated. Those are the issues zens,” he said. Family notices...... P20,21 der is inconceivable and will be said. that people’s lives are dependant Irish News columnist Brian Letters...... P26 met with the demand for a unity The Foyle MLA said any hard- on, yet the energy of politics, the Feeney told the audience that Monday Life...... P29-36 referendum,” she said. ening of the border would be energy of the civil service, has Irish citizens living north of the News...... P3-6,8-12,14-16 She highlighted how Ireland was a “deliberate violation” of the been consumed by this political border had been “left behind” by Opinion...... P18,19 facing uncertainty and that its political process by the British process,” he said. the Dublin government. Personal finance...... P24,25 fate currently lay “in the hands government. Event co-organiser Niall Mur- “We hear all these promises Sport...... P46-64 of a minority Tory government in Donegal TD Mr McHugh said it phy criticised the DUP’s oppo- [from the Irish government], we London”. was “imperative” that the peace sition to an Irish language act, are told: ‘You won’t be left behind, Teabreak...... P42 Mrs McDonald said it was “ir- process was protected. saying the party had a “sneer- we are totally committed to this’ Television and radio...... P37-41 responsible and arrogant” for “The impact of Brexit will of ing contempt for parity of – warm words – that’s all we get,” the Dublin government to dis- course be felt across this island in esteem”. he said.

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IRELAND’S FUTURE MONDAY JANUARY 28 2019 NEWS 3 CIVIC NATIONALISM EVENT Groundswell movement learning from Brexit mess ATURDAY’S Beyond Brexit conference surprised a lot ANALYSIS people, both by the num- bers it attracted and the Sdiversity of opinion represented John on stage. As has been pointed out previ- Manley ously, political unionism was ex- Political cluded, with the organisers mak- Correspondent ing it clear that, initially at least, this is an internal conversation needs “definition and detail”. aimed at developing a consensu- Belfast-based solicitor and con- al vision of what Irish unity might ference co-organiser Niall Murphy look like. opened Saturday’s proceedings The inadvertent consequence of by drawing parallels between the a growth in English nationalism, unexpected appearance of his as manifested in the EU referen- “beloved” St Enda’s GAA club in dum result, is to have triggered a an All-Ireland final next month corresponding resurgence of Irish and the circumstances that have nationalism. reignited the widespread desire But whereas the recent tide of for Irish unity. English nationalism can be char- “I have seen how history and acterised as xenophobic, evoking identity, timing and preparation the Dunkirk spirit and pining for and the taking of opportunity can the lost days of the British empire, reshape history and positively de- its more mature Irish counterpart fine and improve lives,” he said. n CENTRE STAGE: Clockwise from top, Niall Murphy addresses the audience, is increasingly seeking to be inclu- But Mr Murphy also highlighted Paul Gosling, Prof Colin Harvey, Brian Feeney, Joe McHugh and Dara Calleary sive and outward looking. the unwelcome inconveniences PICTURES: Mal McCann The groundswell movement that that Brexit may yet give rise to, has emerged across Ireland in re- and how he is keen to avoid a sce- fore in the EU’s negotiations with es at the expense of dialogue, sponse to Brexit has been quick to nario where his children would the UK and how he’s determined we heard how Brexit had moved learn lessons from the shambolic, have to “endure the ignominy of to provide more certainty around north Down obstetrician Jim Dor- cack-handed manner in which being stopped at Newry or Derry, the future arrangements for north- nan from a position of “soft un- Britain has sought to extricate it- when travelling to Croke Park for ern students studying in southern ionism to soft nationalism” and self from the EU. a match, or to Donegal for a hol- universities. how those who aspire to a united The lack of preparation for Brex- iday”. However, the Fine Gael govern- Ireland were more than capable it and the absence of a clear vision His address clearly illustrated ment’s Brexit record to date was of having internal conversations of what the post-EU landscape how the issues UK’s exit from the criticised by Irish News columnist while at the same time talking to would look like has ingrained di- EU with Northern Ireland as a re- Brian Feeney, who said a “fixation unionists. vision and thwarted any agreed luctant passenger are both micro on the backstop and trade” meant Where this project moves next re- outcome. and macro but ultimately require the rights of Irish citizens in the mains to be seen but it’s clear that Observing this chaos from the same solution. north had been left behind. its strength lies in the broad range across the Irish Sea and noting Fine Gael education minister “Warm words butter no pars- of voices contributing to the de- its potential impact on the border Joe McHugh, right, stressed how nips,” Mr Feeney said. bate. That inclusiveness needs to has led to the realisation among Dublin had ensured the concerns Elsewhere, in an event that was prevail if momentum is to be nationalism of all shades that sim- of northern nationalists were the arguably too heavy on speech- maintained. ply achieving a numerical majori- As Fianna Fáil deputy leader ty in the north favouring unifica- Dara Calleary stressed, the con- tion is a clumsy route to take and Simply achieving a numerical majority versation must continue “in the one that is unlikely to result in an in the north favouring unification is a community halls and around the agreed Ireland. kitchen tables” and the more peo- n SHOW OF APPRECIATION: Former Sinn Féin As SDLP leader clumsy route to take and one that is ple who speak the greater the val- president was among the audience noted, the vision of a new Ireland ‘ unlikely to result in an agreed Ireland idation of their voices. DUP brand wall demonstration ‘amateur dramatics’ Allison Morris Security Correspondent Such amateur [email protected] dramatics do THE DUP has criticised a protest nothing to make event close to the border on Saturday involving people progress and dressed as soldiers and a mock ‘only play on wall as “amateur dramatics”. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou people’s fears McDonald attended the Border –Nigel Dodds Communities Against Brexit event, having first addressed a n STOP AND THINK: Actors dressed would be troops back on the packed audience at the Beyond as a soldier and a border guard border “did not hold water”. Brexit conference in Belfast’s He referred to the Newry Waterfront Hall. referendum.” demonstration as little more than At the Waterfront, she said: Afterwards she attended the “amateur dramatics”. “There are no ‘little Irelanders’ protest in Newry, with actors “By talking about troops on the here and we will not tolerate the dressed as soldiers and a wall border, Leo Varadkar is being as narrowness of the Brexiteers or built across the road. The wall irresponsible as those building policy of isolation imposed by was later knocked down. wooden customs huts, dressing Brexiteers. Protesters recreated a checkpoint actors in trench coats and “A crash means a hardening of on the old Dublin Road at smashing concrete brick walls on the border and the loss of rights Carrickcarnon, in front of the border,” he said. and continued uncertainty and hundreds of supporters who took “Such amateur dramatics do instability. turns using a sledgehammer to nothing to make progress and “A hardening of the border is demolish the concrete-block wall. only play on people’s fears. n HARD-HITTING: Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill help demolish a mock ‘hard inconceivable and will be met DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds “It’s complete and utter border’ wall at the protest in Newry PICTURES: Mal McCann with the demand for a unity said the suggestion that there nonsense.”

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IRELAND’S FUTURE Chris Donnelly

Let a hundred flowers bloom for Unity

The Waterfront Conference in January was a The appalling murder of Lyra McKee has tremendous success, with more than 1,500 people concentrated minds on finding a way to decisively in attendance on the day to hear contributions clear a path for the return of the political from a range of political parties and prominent institutions locally which have been suspended for civic voices on the themes of Brexit and Irish unity. more than two years. The two governments have initiated a talks process, and we will find out in the The level of interested generated in the conference weeks to come if there is to be any breakthrough. was indicative of the heightened concern and The Good Friday Agreement provided a template frustration felt by many as a consequence of the for establishing a rights based society, and the continuing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the issue of rights continues to be central to the collapse of our political institutions due to a denial political discussions today. of rights. More than three months on, these same issues remain unresolved. Resolving the on-going political impasse at Stormont and alleviating the concerns over the In the intervening period, Brexit has continued impact of Brexit in Ireland must entail affording to dominate the political agenda, and the respect to the place of the rights of individuals central concerns articulated at the conference and of groups in our divided society. It is no longer have continued to be raised and addressed by acceptable that rights available to people in the representative voices of civic nationalism and rest of Ireland and in Great Britain are denied to others, in Ireland and beyond. people residing in the north of Ireland due to either a refusal of the British government to deliver on During her trip to Ireland three weeks ago, the their promise at St Andrews regarding the Irish Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Language Act, or due to the DUP’s enduring Nancy Pelosi, publicly ruled out any prospect of hostility to the LGBT community. a US-UK trade deal if the Good Friday Agreement Developing and fostering a rights based society is was damaged as a consequence of Brexit. Mrs consistent with the visions of Irish unity articulated Pelosi has been supported in this assertion by at the Waterfront Conference by prominent many other key political figures in the United figures from pro-Unity parties and civic society States, including Congressman Richard Neal. across the island. In another welcome development last month, It is no exaggeration to say that there has been the Tanaiste, , gave a public an explosion of interest in Irish reunification over commitment to all citizens residing in the north the past two years. The issue has been the focus that the Irish government would, if necessary, meet of many lectures, debates and publications, and a number of social media accounts and podcasts the cost of continuing provision of the European have been set up facilitating and encouraging Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit. Along conversations. Our initiative aims to advance with continuing involvement in the ERASMUS the Irish unity agenda, letting a hundred flowers programme (and its successor), this was a key bloom and broadening participation in the unity demand highlighted through the civic nationalist discussion amidst a backdrop of significant initiative at both the Waterfront Conference political and cultural change which brings with it and in the public letter to An Taoiseach, published tremendous opportunity, as well as risk, for all last November. interested in shaping a new Ireland.

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IRELAND’S FUTURE Kevin Meagher

Brexit has changed everything

By the standards of Daniel O’Connell’s ‘monster Instead, we heard a series of speakers make telling meetings,’ the ‘Ireland’s Future’ event at the and entirely valid points about the economic Waterfront Hall last Saturday was a modest affair. dangers of Brexit, the slow progress in obtaining civil and human rights and about how we must Judged by the yardstick of modern political uphold the Good Friday Agreement settlement. campaigning, however, this was the most important political gathering in Ireland for two decades. I mentioned a couple of years ago the need to ‘deshinnerise’ the issue of Irish unity in order to In coming years, ‘Beyond Brexit: The Future of broaden and deepen its appeal, particularly among Ireland’ will be remembered as an inflection Irish political elites. Well, Saturday showed this is point. O’Connell may have pulled in hundreds of well in hand, as speaker after speaker either called thousands, but a combination of print, broadcast for it, mentioned it, or touched on it. and social media coverage has carried the message As I said at the event, the day bookends, for me, from Saturday even further. the first part of the journey toward a united Ireland: My Twitter feed has not stopped pinging for the We are all now talking about it. There is no more last 48 hours with people tweeting and retweeting sidling around the issue. snippets about the day. There was also blanket Finally, in no particular order, here are my other media coverage across Ireland and everyone who quick takeaways from the day: attended this remarkable event – around 2,000, according to the BBC – left energised with a real 1. The involvement of the southern establishment. sense of possibility. Dublin, no doubt inspired by the unfolding disaster around Brexit, is now much more serious about Everyone felt it. Three party leaders, a senior Irish its all-Ireland responsibilities. The message was government minister and the deputy leader of the clear: the Irish Government will not leave people in main southern opposition party is quite a haul. the North behind. Notwithstanding the fact they are usually at each 2. Middle-class nationalists are now in play. The other’s throats. Yet here they were, the cream of striking tone of the day came from a succession Irish politics, sat in this cavernous space, many of of speakers from the constitutional nationalist them mere delegates, clapping and retweeting tradition, who, while not politicians, brilliantly each other’s points. articulated the frustrations that have developed Something has changed, with Brexit catalysing in recent years – particularly around the struggle Irish politics into a renewed purpose. I’ve been to to get Unionism to accept parity of esteem. One of the event’s organisers, solicitor Niall scores of political conferences over the years, but Murphy, summed up the feeling when he said that there was something different about Saturday’s nationalism ‘is looking beyond the parameters of event. I remember campaigning in the Good Friday the Northern state.’ Brexit, he said,’ has changed Agreement referendum with young members of everything.’ the SDLP, Sinn Féin as well as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. I would class Saturday’s event in that vein, with 3. Brexit, the failures of the DUP – and Irish unity – a similar sense of goodwill and shared endeavour. are now part of the same core narrative. The first is, in part, caused by the second, while the third is Clearly, the day served as a focal point for the the answer to being relieved of both. Irish unity is rising anger among nationalists and political the way out of the Brexit quagmire and a release progressives about Brexit and the various failings from the need to formally share power with a party of the DUP and the fact that devolution is mired – whose better angels most people at the event but there was no rancour and little rhetoric. have now given up trying to locate.

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IRELAND’S FUTURE 16 OPINION WEDNESDAY APRIL 17 2019

Pro fide et patria

Welcome words from US visitors MONG the most ludicrous claims made by prominent figures on the Leave side Abefore and after the 2016 Brexit refer- endum was that the UK was facing a wonder- ful opportunity to create new trade pacts across the EU and other key regions. Boris Johnson publicly declared that he strongly favoured an outcome which in- volved remaining in the Single Market, only to later contradict himself, while the inter- national trade secretary Liam Fox infamous- ly declared that the arrangement finally reached with Brussels “should be the easiest in human history”. A particularly striking quote was provided by the then Brexit minister David Davis, who said: “There is no reason whatsoever to ex- pect that most countries in the world would not actively want a free trade agreement with the UK.” The US was close to the top of the target list for the Brexiteers, who managed to con- vince themselves that Donald Trump could not wait to open the door to all sorts of transatlantic economic benefits. A cold blast of realism was provided on Monday night in London by the US Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, who confirmed previous Irish News reports on the issue n Prints of Ian Knox cartoons are available to buy from £15 at shop.irishnews.com by saying there would be “no chance what- soever” of a post-Brexit trade deal between America and the UK if there was any weaken- ing of the Good Friday Agreement. She was due to meet Taoiseach Leo Varad- kar in Dublin last night, before crossing the North will never border for a series of high-profile engage- ments with leading northern politicians. Mrs Pelosi’s cross-party delegation includ- ed Congressman Richard Neal, who firmly endorses her position on the agreement and, as chair of the house ways and means com- enjoy normal politics mittee, has the responsibility of overseeing future US/UK trade measures. OMORROW fortnight we have the the lion’s share of the Irish government’s The arrival of the US group is timely and local government elections. You so-called Reconciliation Fund which sends out an unmistakable message to the already know the final picture Brian sprays €2.7 million a year on peace and British government that the Good Friday because the ethno-political divide reconciliation across the sectarian divide Agreement is going to be protected and that There dictates the outcome. Feeney with no tangible result. More than a 100 the insurance policy offered by an Irish back- Yet, just as inevitably, you’ll hear the wail, groups benefit so they can sit around with stop must be at the heart of any EU with- ‘Where is the middle ground?’ cups of tea in their laps and intone, ‘Oh drawal proposal emerging at Westminster. It’s impossible to know whether it’s aye, we’re all cross-community here’. wishful thinking, plain political stupidity or Cooperation Ireland sucks in 14 per cent of ignorance, or a policy designed in London the Reconciliation budget – about €375,000. Holy Week reflection to pretend this place is like somewhere ‘wrong politicians’. Yet the Good Friday Yet its chair, Sir Christopher Moran, was in England, and that one day, some time Agreement was a successful resolution at the DUP conference last year, obviously Christ never betrays around the twelfth of never, ‘normal because it recognised the failure of a great occasion of reconciliation, where politics’ will break out. that official position, overturned the he arranged Boris Johnson’s attendance. His faithfulness Look, it’s not going to happen. The deliberately deceitful presentation of the Johnson thanked Moran ‘for helping me MOTIONS were running high as argu- hypocrisy of that fraudulent stance is both problem here. The mechanisms of the secure this invitation’. No doubt Johnson ments over Brexit could be heard ring- nauseating and debilitating. The denial of GFA correctly analysed the problem and and Arlene Foster were also thankful ing out around Westminster. You could reality that any political scientist in the gave both communities equality of status for the trip back to London in Moran’s E world recognises, namely that politics and parity of esteem. Then the British private jet afterwards. Moran has given the hear the word “traitor” being used among here are based on allegiance and identity, government proceeded to ignore its Conservatives around £250,000 in the last the demonstrators. wastes the lives of thousands of obligations in all vital respects. few years. A traitor is often referred to today as “a Ju- well-meaning dupes who spend their time Instead it returned to the previous Essentially this flawed official analysis of das”. This relates to Judas Iscariot, who be- chasing a grotesquely highly funded the north promotes liberal unionism, trayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. official fantasy. an animal which was devoured Betrayal is regarded as a particularly wick- In the 2014 local government elections After more than 40 years decades ago by Ian Paisley. It seeks ed act, especially so from someone who was Alliance, standard bearer of the to make the north work, flying in the in the privileged position of being among getalongers, recipients of inordinate the NIO and British and face of the reality that the DUP refuses the 12 disciples Jesus called to follow Him. praise from the NIO and know-nothing Irish governments still to allow the north to work if the price Sadly, Judas hardened his heart against Je- outsiders, the natural home of the is equality of status for Fenians and sus and surrendered to his own evil desires. ‘nayce’ people, got 6.6 per cent, down urge people to support, all parity of esteem for the symbols and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was right: “The bat- from 7.4 per cent in 2011. The actual together now, ‘the middle realities of Irishness. tle line between good and evil runs through figures don’t matter because it’s always Last November 1,012 mainly northern the heart of every man.” about 7-9 per cent and it always will be ground’. The stupidity of this nationalists published a letter to An While Judas betrayed Jesus, He never be- because it’s the nature of this place. official position is so dense Taoiseach Leo Varadkar asking him trayed Judas. He washed Judas’s feet, and It’s a delusion to think otherwise. Yet to live up to his promise not to leave Judas is among the disciples at the Last Sup- after more than 40 years the NIO and as to be impenetrable northern nationalists behind. His per. Judas refused God’s forgiveness, under- British and Irish governments still urge only response was to turn up and people to support, all together now, speak at the Alliance party conference estimating God’s love. ‘the middle ground’. nonsense, blowing millions on the in March making crystal clear that he As the theologian Rev Dr Douglas Milne The stupidity of this official position is Community Relations Council, a prefers fantasy to reality. His speech was says: “Jesus is grieved by the failures of His so dense as to be impenetrable. You may comprehensive distraction. The Irish meaningless platitudes, codswallop – what people but His love for them endures.” The as well go to Belgium and urge Walloons government is as much to blame. Their else could it be? Then again, in 2012 Simon traitor can still become the faithful servant. and Flemings to be reconciled and have favourite baby is Cooperation Ireland Coveney addressed the DUP conference. Happy Easter. ‘normal politics’. At bottom what the which shelled out €7,223 to fly Ian Óg Obviously it’s out of the question for an Rev Billy Davison official position means is that it’s the across the Atlantic to celebrate the 20th Irish government minister to address a President of the fault of people here that they can’t get anniversary of the GFA which the DUP northern Sinn Féin gathering. That would Methodist Church in Ireland along. Blame the people for electing the opposes. Cooperation Ireland receives mean facing reality.

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IRELAND’S FUTURE WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30 2019 OPINION 19

ON THIS DAY JANUARY 30 1969 Wild Scenes in Guildhall ANDEMONIUM which broke out during the monthly meeting of Derry PCorporation yesterday afternoon was the worst ever witnessed there. Wild scenes which marked the concluding stages of the meeting included an uproar which drowned out the voices of members and officials, the singing of We Shall Overcome and the invasion of the Council Chamber. At the end of the meeting a number of demonstrators stood with their backs to the exit doors of the Chamber and placed chairs against these doors and refused to allow members of the Corporation and officials to go out. The Derry Housing Action Committee (DHAC), on the preceding day, had invited as many of the public as possible to go to the Corporation meeting. Those in the public gallery included a number of women. Several times when there was applause or shouts from the gallery, the Mayor (Councillor William Beatty) hammered on his desk and called for order and eventually threatened to terminate the meeting. The storm did not really break, however, until the Corporation, by 12 Unionist votes to 7 Nationalists, rejected a Nationalist proposal n UNITED: Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood at the Beyond Brexit event at the Waterfront Hall PICTURE: Mal McCann to approve of plans lodged some months ago by the Derry Housing Association for housing development at two sites. This rejection was greeted with the stamping of feet in the gallery and the singing loudly of We Shall Overcome. A group of demonstrators then sat on the floor of the main part of the chamber and sang Nationalist gathering a We Shall Not Be Moved and others occupied vacant seats. Mr Finbar O’Doherty of DHAC, asked for a vote of ‘no confidence’ in the Corporation and this was adopted . demonstration of unity Scuffle at Paisley’s Residence THE Rev Ian Paisley was taken to hospital yesterday for a badly-cut hand. The injury was N JANUARY 21 the Irish government British Brexit border. received during a scuffle at the doorway of his marked the establishment of Ireland’s And it was doing so in exactly the same home on the Beersbridge Road, Belfast when first national, sovereign, parliament – manner it did in 1919, when it ignored the police officers arrived. An Chéad Dáil. democratic will of the and the A head constable knocked at the door which OIt organised a joint sitting of the , Jim democratic will of the people of the north in was answered by Councillor Mrs Eileen Paisley Dáil and Seanad and invited MPs and MLAs 2016 who voted to Remain in the EU. and the Rev William Beattie. After several to the Mansion House – where An Chéad Dáil Gibney In 1919 it imposed British rule at the point of a minutes’ discussion, some other Paisley met one hundred years ago. gun. In 2019 it imposes Brexit rule at the point followers appeared and said that Mr Paisley An Chéad Dáil assembled the representatives of a DUP/Tory deal. was seeing no-one. During the struggle a panel of the vast majority of the Irish people, under The primary issue at the conference was how in the glass door was broken and Mr Paisley, the leadership of Sinn Féin. a new independent Ireland was to be achieved who was apparently behind the door, received The joint sitting of the Oireachtas represented audience like this before debating the issues and what practical steps needed to be taken a serious cut to his left hand the vast majority of the Irish people: Fine they did. to achieve it. A close secondary issue was A police spokesman said later that the arrest Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour and Nor have I seen such a mood. The loudest the need for legal protection for the rights of warrant for Mr Paisley had still not been independents, under the leadership of the applause greeted any speaker who even Irish nationalists in the north including Irish executed. Irish government. hinted at a united Ireland, a new Ireland or language rights. Last Saturday in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, a all-Ireland institutions. There was no applause There was a crisis of equality and rights and Carson’s Son Backs O’Neill gathering of more than 1,500 nationalists met for anyone suggesting that the north’s Irish people risked being stateless – stripped MR EDWARD Carson, MP son of the late Lord under the leadership of the civic nationalist institutions should be restored or that now of their Irish identity and legally viewed as Carson, said at his Minster, Thanet (Kent) group, ‘Ireland’s Future’. was not the right time to call for a united British not Irish. home on Saturday that, if invited, he was It provided a very important platform for the Ireland or a unity/border poll. There was, The solutions offered ranged across the prepared to go to Belfast and speak in support Irish government, Sinn Féin, Fianna Fail, SDLP, however, loud applause for speakers calling national spectrum: a new Ireland based on of Mr O’Neill. – representing, again the equality and human rights; a unity/border majority of the Irish people, and leading poll; the full implementation of the Good Edited by Éamon Phoenix figures from the nationalist community: Friday Agreement; the restoration of [email protected] lawyers, columnists, human rights This was nationalist and republican the executive and assembly on a human advocates and political activists. Ireland under one roof debating rights and equality basis; the formation Complaints and corrections One hundred years of conflicted history of an all-island civic assembly; a Bill of The Irish News is a member of the separated the assembly of An Chéad one issue: a new Ireland. In my Rights and a new human rights treaty Independent Press Standards Organisation Dáil in Dublin and the gathering last political lifetime I have never and continued EU representation for (IPSO) and is committed to upholding its Saturday. the people of the north by the Irish Editors’ Code of Practice. The issues facing those who attended all seen an audience like this before government allocating the two extra EU If you have a complaint about editorial content three events was Ireland’s independence seats arising from Brexit to the north. or wish to draw an inaccuracy to our attention, and the injustice of partition. debating the issues they did Take the fear out of the united Ireland you should contact [email protected] I have been to conferences of various debate; have an informed debate now with your name, address, daytime telephone kinds for over 40 years. about what a new united Ireland would number and details of your complaint. Last Saturday’s conference was distinctively for engagement with unionists. look like before a unity/border poll; learn You can also write to: The Editor, The Irish different and impressive for several reasons: The mood was upbeat, confident and the lesson of the Brexit chaos – pre-plan and News, 113-117 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 the subject discussed was ‘Beyond Brexit: The optimistic with a solution-focused view of the discuss the transition to independence. 2GE or telephone 028 9032 2226. Future of Ireland’ and the political breadth of future. The Waterfront Hall conference came at the If you wish to make a complaint under the those who attended and those who spoke on There was agreement that Brexit had end of an important week which saw the terms of the Editors’ Code administered by the platform was obvious. fundamentally altered the political situation. welcome arrival of Fianna Fáil in partnership IPSO, you can find full details at This was nationalist and republican Ireland That the British government having with the SDLP. www.ipso.co.uk or you can email under one roof debating one issue: a new partitioned Ireland one hundred years ago Fine Gael and Labour should follow and join [email protected] or telephone 0300 123 Ireland. were trying again, for a second time, to the rest of us in ending partition and creating 2220. You can also write to: IPSO, Gate House, In my political lifetime I have never seen an partition Ireland with an economic border – a a new independent Ireland. 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG

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IRELAND’S FUTURE “If there is any weakening of the Good Friday Agreement accords there should be no chance whatsoever, a non-starter for a US-UK trade agreement. This is not a treaty only. It’s an ideal, it’s a value, it’s something that’s a model to the world, something that we all take pride in. The GFA was a model and other people have used it as a model and we don’t want that model to be something that can be bargained away in another agreement.

Nancy Pelosi” The Speaker of the US House of Representatives

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