Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has said that planning for Irish Unity must be prioritised by the next government.

Deputy Carthy said that a Sinn Féin-led government would publish a green paper on Irish unity, establish an inclusive and welcoming Citizens’ Assembly and create a Minister for Reunification at the Department of An Taoiseach.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD made his remarks as a poll in the Irish News showed a further increase in support for Irish unity.

Teachta Carthy said:

“With a General Election just weeks away, Sinn Féin is clear that planning and preparation for constitutional change must be a priority for the next government.

“A Sinn Féin-led government would publish a green paper on Irish unity, establish an inclusive and welcoming Citizens’ Assembly and create a Minister for Reunification at the Department of An Taoiseach.

“Today’s poll in the Irish News is reflective of the ongoing and vibrant discussion that is taking place across our island and at every level of society.

“There is a continued momentum towards Irish Unity, and Sinn Féin is committed to working to secure Unity referendums by the end of this decade.

“Increasingly, people are demanding that decisions about their lives and their futures be taken here at home, on the island of Ireland.

“The trends over the last number of years have been seismic and cannot be ignored by the Irish and British governments. It is time to plan and prepare.

“We have huge opportunities ahead to invest in our health service, build more homes and to create a vibrant economy with good-quality jobs and public services at its heart.

“Sinn Féin firmly believes that it is now incumbent on both governments to begin preparations and to work together to enable communities across our island to realise the potential of a new and better future.”