United Ireland debate urged

Republicans must begin discussions aimed at bringing about a united Ireland with unionists and other political opponents, Sinn Fein national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said today.

The Foyle MLA told a conference of the party’s elected representatives in West Belfast that as Sinn Fein’s electoral strength grew on both sides of the Irish border they should now use it to bring about a united Ireland which could accommodate the concerns of unionists.

Mr McLaughlin said after the conference: ‘‘Given our increased political strength our party must take the responsibility for advancing a type of united Ireland that can accommodate all.

‘‘We will have to begin discussions which will bring that about, engaging with our political opponents - unionist, nationalist and others.

‘‘Coming from a strong constituency of nationalism and republicanism, one that is getting stronger, we need to address the fears of those concerned about constitutional change in the future.’’

Mr McLaughlin claimed the issue of a united Ireland was now, ‘‘the core outstanding, political debate’’ in Ireland, north and south.

It could no longer be ignored, he argued.

Mr McLaughlin also told the 100 people who gathered for the conference that the drive made by the party in last year’s Westminster and Northern Ireland local government elections would be built upon, with Sinn Fein expecting to make further breakthroughs in this year’s upcoming general election in the Irish Republic.

He welcomed the granting of House of Commons facilities to the party, claiming the platform given to the party at Westminster could be ‘‘as significant and successful as the opening of Sinn Fein’s north American office’’.

He also held out the prospect of a breakthrough in the party’s battle to have Northern Ireland Assembly members and MPs participating in the political system of the Irish Republic.

‘‘I have put the party on notice that we expect to achieve progress on northern representation in the southern political system,’’ he confirmed.