Mitchell calls for discussions on rejoining Commonwealth

IRELAND should discuss rejoining the Commonwealth, Gay Mitchell has said.

The Fine Gael presidential candidate said he would be disposed to the idea if it was “the price of a united Ireland”.

But the suggestion was rejected by Sinn Féin candidate Martin McGuinness who said the power- sharing in the North was the “route to go”.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries that “work together towards shared goals in democracy and development”.

Formerly known as the British Commonwealth, it is seen as an indelible reminder of empire because the vast majority of member countries were at one point British territories.

Ireland left the Commonwealth when it became a republic in 1949.

The British Queen remains the head of the Commonwealth, although not necessarily the head of state in the individual members.

Speaking during the Last Word presidential debate on Today FM yesterday, Mr Mitchell said rejoining the Commonwealth was “something we should discuss”.

“If it was the price of a united Ireland, I would be disposed towards the idea,” he suggested, calling for people to drop their “blinkers”.

But Mr McGuinness criticised the proposal.

“Effectively what Gay Mitchell is saying is that the Queen of England would have precedence over the Irish President. I wouldn’t accept that at all — I think it would be totally and utterly wrong.”

A spokesman for Mr Mitchell later pointed out that being a member of the Commonwealth did not require a country to recognise the Queen as its head of state.

“Only 16 (of the member countries) recognise the Queen of England as head of state,” the spokesman said. “Mandela led South Africa back into the Commonwealth in 1994. Regardless, it is a matter for Government.”

Meanwhile, Mr McGuinness’s campaign will benefit from a touch of Hollywood glamour tomorrow night. Actresses Anjelica Huston, Roma Downey and Fionnuala Flanagan will be among those sending messages of support to a rally for the Sinn Féin candidate being held in Dublin’s Mansion House. Another actor, Colm Meaney, will be compere for the rally, which will also hear from singer Frances Black; playwright Peter Sheridan; artist Robert Ballagh; and soccer manager Roddy Collins.

Separately, a poll carried out by third-level media organisations has shown that Labour party candidate, Michael D Higgins, is the favoured candidate of students.