The Chairman of Sinn Fein in Kerry has told an audience in the European Parliament of the need for a renewed focus on inclusion, both geographically and generationally, as conversations around reunification gain momentum.
Daithí Fitzgerald called for a renewed focus on inclusion, both geographically and generationally, as conversations around reunification gain momentum.
Speaking at the event, titled The EU and Irish Unity: What Next?, Daithí Fitzgerald highlighted the need to ensure that rural areas and young people are not sidelined in the national conversation.
“Rural areas, like mine, often feel excluded from national conversations. When we talk about Irish unity, the focus is usually on Dublin and Belfast.
“Rarely do we consider what it might mean for the regions and for rural communities in Kerry and right across the island, the recently selected Kerry SF official stated.
Mr Fitzgerald stressed that any future vision of a united Ireland must not centre solely on the eastern corridor but must empower communities along the Atlantic Arc and throughout the island to thrive, with support from the European Union.
He also spoke about the role of young people in shaping Ireland’s future.
“A whole generation of students are beginning to think about Irish unity in real, tangible terms but how can we ensure they’re not just consulted in the final months before a vote? We need to inform, empower and truly hear young voices throughout this process,”he remarked.
The Kerry SF chair called for meaningful youth inclusion in any future citizens’ assembly or deliberative process and raised the point that the voting age should be lowered to 16 to give more young people a voice in shaping their future.
The conference, held by the Commission on the Future of Ireland, brought together speakers from academia, civil society, and political life to explore what Irish unity would look like within the European Union.
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