Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 9 March 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Architects of the Good Friday Agreement (Resumed): Lord Empey

Photo of Pauline TullyPauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will come in with a quick question. My comrades may wish to come in after me.

I wish Lord Empey a good afternoon. It is nice to meet him, albeit virtually. He has discussed how some unionists voted for the Good Friday Agreement. The truth can be said that many unionists voted against Brexit and wanted to remain in the EU. Unionist businesses are part of a growing all-Ireland economy and many are publicly involved in debate around constitutional change. There are other discussions happening on the ground. The point is often made in this committee that civic society is ahead of political society in many ways when it comes to discussing the future and constitutional change. Many unionists are open-minded and relaxed about change and about relationships across the island. They are willing to discuss change. I am not saying they agree with it, but they are willing to discuss change. My party and myself are in favour of a border poll but not without the proper preparation and discussion, and that needs to include everyone. Does unionist leadership have a responsibility to encourage debate about constitutional change and the future of our island?

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