Ms. McDonald said, “This important Bill that I have introduced in the Dáil will legislate for the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish reunification.“It will now allow all TDs, political parties, independents and the government to formally come into the debate.

The driver of this change is the reality that partition continues to limit economic and social development in the North and the South. Brexit demonstrated that decisions made in London had a direct and negative impact on Dublin. The cause of Irish Unity is also very popular in the Southern State, with a demand to begin preparations. Fine Gael is aligning with popular opinion, responding to the demand for action on Unity and also chasing a lead over their main election challenger, Fianna Fáil.

Mr. Harris said the work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group and facilitated by Professor Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University.“This vision will define what a unified Ireland could mean in practical terms, politically, economically and societally,” he said. “It will be informed by research and evidence and shaped by meaningful engagement with communities north and south of the border.“It will examine fiscal implications, public services and the economic opportunities that could arise from unity, including all-island infrastructure, labour mobility, and EU market access.“The paper will reflect our Fine Gael party’s approach, characterised by: Pragmatism over rhetoric; Respect for law, institutions and international agreements; Emphasis on preparation, reassurance and economic credibility.“We will listen to all traditions on this island. We will ask the difficult questions, and we will answer them honestly. Because the future of this island cannot be built on slogans or assumptions.”Harris said the Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic pathway for constitutional change.“Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality. Fine Gael believes in reconciliation, not triumphalism, that persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation.“Our objective is not simply to debate the future of the island. It is to help shape a future in which every tradition, every identity and every community can feel valued, protected and at home.“Unity, not as an event, but as a process requiring leadership, planning and patience. Fundamentally we want a united, working island with long-term durable consent.“This work is the necessary groundwork we need to do to develop unity of purpose, unity of vision and unity of our island. That work begins now.”

Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions, she expressed her solidarity with the victim of the barbaric knife attack on man in Belfast on Monday night, hailing the bravery of those who came to his aid, and said the suspect must pay a heavy price for this brutal crime.Ms McDonald said: “Were it not for the selfless bravery of members of the community, including Maitiu Mág Tighearnán – putting himself at risk, jumping from his car and using his son’s hurl to stop the brutal assault – the victim would surely have lost his life.”

I never thought that within twenty-four hours I would be witnessing similar pro-British Unionist mobs attacking the homes of immigrants. Sectarianism and racism are two sides of the same coin. The Irish know the cost of both; however, some seem to have forgotten their history.