Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin proposed a constitutional convention a long time ago but since then Irish society has been changing - as a result of the impact of the economic crisis, changes within other pillars of the establishment and because of the peace process in the North. The best recent example of this type of convention was the constitutional convention, or conference, in South Africa when that country came together to form a new republic. We need that here but it looks to me as if we are going to get some kind of focus group, as opposed to something that can actually inspire Irish people. Whatever their party political allegiance is people here want to have some stake in and some sense of a real republic. A republic is not static; it must be an organic and ongoing voyage for us throughout this island.

I and Sinn Féin are disappointed in the way the Government has limited the remit of the convention, and also at the delay. The Taoiseach said in July it would happen in September but we do not have a starting date. What the Taoiseach read out to Teachta Higgins was the initial letter, or statement, on this issue. There are many questions. Why do we not have a starting date and why is there a delay? What will be the format of the first day? I wrote to the Taoiseach asking about that. Will the Opposition parties have an opportunity to speak on that occasion? Will the Taoiseach publish the names of individuals or groups on the expert advisory group? Those are some very practical points - date; format for the first day; the reason for the delay; and the list of individuals or groups who will form part of the expert advisory panel.

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