Sinn Féin’s Finance spokesperson in the Oireachtas Pearse Doherty will be joining the North’s Sinn Féin Ministerial team at a major economic conference in Canavan’s, Ballygawley this Friday morning (22nd November), between 11am – 1pm.
The conference which is being hosted by Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland, will discuss the impact of partition on the west of the Bann region and the benefits that Irish Unity can bring. It will be chaired by Economist Dr. Anne Devlin.
Pearse Doherty said:
“Partition makes no economic sense. The duplication of government and public service structures imposes unnecessary and additional costs. So too does the imposition of unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses on both sides of the border due to different regulations, currencies and taxation systems North and South.
The island of Ireland is failing to reach its full potential across a whole range of areas including agriculture, the software development sector, film production, the leveraging of our energy resources, community development and public services.
Sinn Féin has consistently advanced a clear and evidence-based case for the economic merits of reunification. The impact of partition combined with the disastrous Brexit decision have provided new and compelling evidence to support the merits of Irish Unity.
Sinn Féin believes that an all-Island economy, with sustainable growth will allow businesses to grow and reach their full potential; provide quality employment; pay secure, living wages; and enable people to enjoy a higher quality of life with efficient public services providing support where needed.
Not only is Irish unity affordable, but the economic potential released by reunification will exceed any additional responsibilities arising from unity.
What’s more, with the North guaranteed automatic re-entry into the European Union in the event of unity, a strong case exists for additional EU funding.
The island of Ireland needs a holistic, whole-of-government strategy to ensure that the full potential of the island economy is achieved. We need to plan how we nurture, build and grow our island economy.
Sinn Féin has that plan. Our Plan for Unity includes legislative and constitutional change; the holding by the end of this decade the referendums on unity provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; the appointment by an Irish government of a Minister of State for reunification; the publication of a Government ‘Green Paper’ and the establishment of A Citizens’ Assembly/Assemblies to discuss the future.
To be successful Irish Unity must be planned for. Together, we can build a better, fairer, stronger country where we can realise our full potential as a nation.
So, why not join us this Friday the 22nd November in Canavan’s, Ballygawley and be part of planning for the future.
Note to Editor: The panel will include Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy MLA Minister for the Economy, John O’Dowd MLA Infrastructure Minister and senior Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD.
