Mr. Eoghan Flood:

Good morning everyone. I am 18 years old and I am honoured to share my view on a united Ireland as a young person from the Border counties. I grew up in Monaghan and I am now studying in the Ulster University in Derry. We could say I have seen both sides of the coin. In today's political reality it is increasingly likely that politicians North and South of the Border will have to be open to discussing the possibility of a 32-county Irish state. Of course they will have to ensure there are equal rights and equal opportunities for all its citizens. A process such as this is easier said than done and it will take a lot longer than some hope. The people of Ireland on both sides of the Border and their elected representatives need to take this into account before dates and goals are set. We cannot rush into any decision if we have not even started the conversation. We need to talk about the issues openly before we come anywhere close to having a referendum. This is why it is important that we are here today to speak about the options facing us.

I have grown up in a Border parish in north Monaghan where a united country has been a desired hope for many locals. Unfortunately many do not see the process as involving the citizens of Northern Ireland in a meaningful way. They assume that Northern Ireland would just join the Republic when, in fact, any such process should be about bringing the two together. I have realised the questions that must be asked to satisfy people on both sides of the Border. These may be very uncomfortable for some but they are essential to achieving a united country. Can we agree on a new capital of Ireland, such as Sligo or Derry? Can we create a new flag to unite North and South of Ireland?

There are very few groups throughout the island of Ireland that bring together people from all communities. The only one that clearly comes to mind is the Irish rugby team. It is unfortunate that even sport is divided. Why can we not include everyone in every sport? The GAA does openly include unionists but it is still seen as an nationalist sport. Other types of social groups or activities are also divided. Living by the Border I have not had the opportunity to mix with young people ten miles away from me because we all attend different societies and clubs. On top of this there is no straightforward transport system in the Border counties to facilitate young people moving back and forth easily. Small things such as these are vital so we can start to make it easier for young people to get to know each other. We have to provide meaningful unifying opportunities for all.

I have also come to the realisation that many in the North perceive healthcare in the UK to be very good compared to the system here. Many young people I have met in Derry have said they would be open to a united Ireland but only if free healthcare was guaranteed. If we move towards becoming a united country we will have to work out how to integrate two different systems in a way that works for everyone.

Growing up in a Border parish in County Monaghan the Troubles had a huge impact on my upbringing. It is clear that support is needed in the Border region. It is essential for two governments North and South to create schemes that allow young people on both sides to come together regularly. PEACE funding is very important to support this work and must be safeguarded and continued. I am glad to see a good start to this with the new PEACE campus being built in Monaghan and the announcement of additional funding in the budget on Tuesday.

It is 100 years since the creation of the Irish Free State and the creation of the Border with Northern Ireland. In this time so much has changed on both sides of the Border. It is now time that we really focus on making a start, put in the time and investment and develop the working systems of the two states. Moving beyond the focus of a 32-county country, it is now time to start the process of working together to put a stop to violence and stop focusing on the differences between people and instead show the passion we have for a united island.