Senator Conor Murphy appointed Sinn Féin Seanad Leader – “I will be a strong northern voice in Leinster House.”
Sinn Féin Senator Conor Murphy was appointed Sinn Féin Seanad leader this week, and said that among his priorities would be advancing the all-Ireland economy, providing a voice for the people of the North of Ireland, extending presidential voting rights to all Irish citizens, including those in the North and those living abroad, and building towards a referendum on Irish reunification.
Senator Murphy will lead a six-strong Sinn Féin team in the Seanad, and added that the Oireachtas must face the challenges of our time head-on, ensuring that the interests of the entire 32 counties of Ireland are at the heart of everything.
Speaking following his maiden speech in the Seanad, Seanadóir Murphy said,
“As the outgoing Economy Minister in the Northern Executive, I focused on advancing the all-Ireland economy. That work does not stop today. It continues and I intend to place a robust focus on this key area.
“I will continue to advocate for these priorities here in the Oireachtas, I will be a strong northern voice in Leinster House, I am proud to be part of a 45-strong Sinn Féin team in these houses, and to take up the role as Sinn Féin Leader in the Seanad.
“We will take a progressive approach, working collaboratively and constructively with others while holding this government to account. We need a government that puts ordinary people first. That means building homes, fixing our health service, making childcare affordable, and giving young people the chance to build their futures here in Ireland. As the opposition, we will ensure that this government is scrutinised every step of the way.
“On the issue of future constitutional change, this government cannot continue to ignore the conversation about Irish unity. This is the defining issue of our time.
“As someone from County Armagh, I have lived my entire life in the border region. I understand firsthand the political, social, and economic challenges that partition has created.
“Having served in the Stormont Assembly since 1998, and as an MP and as a Councillor, I have worked to strengthen cooperation across the island – on health, agriculture, education, tourism, and transport and challenge the negative impacts of partition.
“A referendum on a united Ireland is coming in this decade, and we must be ready. We must engage with people across the island – north and south, British and Irish, unionist and nationalist – to plan for the future in a spirit of respect and inclusion.
“The Good Friday Agreement guarantees must be upheld, and we must ensure a smooth transition that benefits all communities.
“Later this year, the people in this State will elect a new President, and it is past time to extend voting rights to all Irish citizens, including those in the North and those living abroad.
“In 2013, a Constitutional Convention recommended this change. In 2017, the government agreed a referendum should be held. Yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have dragged their feet, in fear of what real democratic change might bring.
“This is a matter of fairness and inclusion. Irish citizens, regardless of where they live, should have a say in who represents them as Uachtarán na hÉireann.
“As we enter this new political term, we must face the challenges of our time head-on. I look forward to tackling these challenges, and to ensure that the interests of the entire 32 counties of Ireland are at the heart of everything we do.”
