FORMER Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said the north's recent council election results are more proof that support for Irish unification is growing, and called for Dublin to begin plans for a border poll.
Mr Adams said Sinn Féin emerging as the largest party following last week's election, with 144 council seats, is "the latest example" of evidence pointing to growth in support of unity.
The former West Belfast MP and Louth TD made his comments on Wednesday during a Sinn Féin event in Dublin to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The event at the Morrison Hotel, titled 'The Good Friday Agreement - The Inside Story', was also attended by current Sinn Féin president and vice president, Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill.
“The Irish people have the right to self-determination. We have the right to determine our own future, without outside interference, peacefully and democratically. That is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement," Mr Adams said.
Preparing for tonight’s special event in Dublin where some of us involved in the negotiations that led to the GFA and the referendum will talk about our recollections of that time. Mise, Michelle Gildernew, Pat Doherty, Mitchell McLaughlin agus Lucilita Breatnach. pic.twitter.com/mbgZIj7Lu1
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) May 24, 2023
“There is growing evidence from a succession of elections, academic reports and opinion polls that support for the reunification of Ireland is growing. Last week’s local government election in the north is the latest example of this.
“The Good Friday Agreement created a mechanism for constitutional change through referendums. It was overwhelmingly endorsed in referendums north and south.
Gerry Adams says risks taken for peace were 'occupational hazard'
Heaton-Harris ducks question on criteria for border poll
Sinn Féin: Financial package should not pander to DUP
“There is a constitutional obligation on the Irish government – including as a co-guarantor of the Agreement - to advance the objective of unity. That means planning now and engaging in a process of inclusive dialogue that ensures that the process of constitutional change is democratic and seamless."
Mr Adams said the Irish government should establish a Cotizens Assembly on unity, adding Dublin "should agree with the British government a firm date for the unity referendum provided for by the Good Friday Agreement".
“I am not suggesting that this should take place immediately but the Irish Government should seek a date now which allows for inclusive preparation to begin. And that preparatory work should start now," Mr Adams said.
There is a constitutional obligation on the Irish government – including as a co-guarantor of the GFA - to advance the objective of unity. That means planning now & engaging in a process of inclusive dialogue for constitutional change that is democratic and seamless. pic.twitter.com/6TUnCWf6UE
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) May 24, 2023
