DUP to join Fianna Fáil in peace process debate

The Democratic Unionist Party will join Fianna Fáil in a “symbolic” debate on the Northern Ireland peace process in Cork next week, it emerged today.

DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin will hope to consolidate relationships built between their two political parties in recent years.

During the meeting, which is organised by the Munster branch of Fianna Fáil, both speakers will discuss their republican and unionist backgrounds and how the economic dividend of the Northern Ireland peace process can be explored.

Both will then hold a discussion about the future for Northern Ireland with the theme of ‘Where next?’ chaired by Irish Examiner editor, Tim Vaughan.

The debate, at the Silver Springs Hotel on Monday night, will then be followed by a questions and answers session involving the audience.

Mr Martin said today: “This is a highly symbolic public meeting that provides a forum for cross-community debate on some of the most political important issues of our time.

“At this crucial juncture in the peace process, both republican and unionist representatives will be afforded a platform to express their hopes for the future while recognising the complex traditions from which we have come.”

Mr Donaldson added: “I welcome this opportunity to put the unionist case to a wider audience in terms both of the current political and economic situation in the North.

“There are opportunities for co-operation on all fronts to increase mutual understanding and respect.”