Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It it refreshing to hear Mr. McCann, Mr. Quinn and Ms Diver. I had some points I wanted to highlight. It is very important to engage with civil society. It would be a great idea for the witnesses to engage with an organisation called Ireland's Future which advocates for and promotes discussion which includes the viability of a new constitutional arrangement on the island. It is guided by the Good Friday Agreement.

The Good Friday Agreement is one of the most powerful agreements, bearing in mind the amount of work that went into it. It is essential we are guided by its values and the protection of human rights, equality, and fostering mutual respect between all views and traditions that share this island. I agree with Mr. McCann. I am concerned that at any point the British Government could call a border poll and absolute chaos would ensue. Planning and preparing is essential for a border poll in case it is called.

Returning to the Good Friday Agreement, I was concerned by something in Mr. McCann's briefing document:

The direction proposed here marks a big step forward from the 1998 Agreements. It is not the only route to a new nation ... [but] its early timing removes the undesirable scenario of negotiation under the shadow of a potentially divisive and possibly narrowly won unity referendum under the overly vague terms of the 1998 agreement.

What does Mr. McCann mean by that? How does he see a border poll being triggered? Is there any benefit to a citizens' assembly. What would that bring?