Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

We have a unique opportunity to work together to accomplish something many people thought could never happen. We have brought forward a motion on planning for a united Ireland. Going back to Wolfe Tone, the Fenians and all the people down through the generations, many tried to unite this country as a free 32-county Irish republic. We have the opportunity to take a step closer on that road and we are asking the Government to come with us, to walk next to us, to be part of this journey and to bring the unionist community and all other communities with us. We are not trying to force our beliefs on others. We want to ask them about their beliefs and what they want to do.

I am a member of the GAA. I remember, as a young fella of 12, 13 and 14, going up to Crossmaglen, Kileavy and all the different clubs in the North. I remember what it was like 40 years ago to travel to GAA clubs and what it meant to people in those communities to hold a hurley or kick a football. I love Croke Park for what it stands for, for us, not just the GAA, but the Irish people. Players from the Six Counties will play in Croke Park in all-Ireland finals in hurling, football and camogie. The President will walk the red carpet and shake their hands, but they cannot vote for that person. How is it right that citizens of this country, because they live on the other side of a line that should never have been there, cannot vote? How is that right? How can Micheál Martin and this Government stand over denying their people their constitutional right as Irish citizens to vote in a presidential election?

Micheál Martin might want to block this but I know die-hard Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael people who dream of Irish unity like we dream of Irish unity. Will the Government not come with us on this journey? It is an inclusive journey. Rugby, boxing and many sports operate across the entire island. They have been doing so for decades. Why can we not work together? We are not trying to impose ourselves. We are saying "Let us plan". Let us hear everyone's vision and everyone's concerns. Let us have a citizens assembly. Let us have referendums and let us work together. I love this country and this island. I want to have the best possible Thirty-two Counties we can have. The only people blocking us are Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin and this Government. I plead with the Minister of State to change his mind so we can walk together.

See this speech in context