A Monaghan councillor has expressed his 'disappointment' with government's response to a Citizen's Assembly on United Ireland.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of Monaghan County Council, with a written reply to a motion sent to the Taoiseach in October, seeking the establishment of a Citizen's Assembly on Irish Unity.
In his reply to a motion brought forward by Cllr Pat Treanor, former Taoiseach Michael Martin stated that a citizen's assembly on the constitutional future of the island is "not envisioned at this time."
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Treanor said it was "disappointing" to receive such a reply, 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement.
"25 years ago, 94% of the voters of this state voted for a negotiated agreement which they believed would deal with the causes of conflict and division on this island in a peaceful and democratic way," he said.
"I believe that many voted that way because of a clause in that Agreement which acknowledges our right to advocate for and have a Referendum on Irish Unity. Indeed, we voted to change Articles 2 & 3 of the Constitution in the belief that the Government would prepare for that Referendum. The best way to prepare is to organise a Citizen's Assembly on this issue.
"The Shared island initiative is a valuable contribution. In fairness to Monaghan County Council, we have been working in partnership with other Councils in the North for the last 30 years through the East Border Region and I.C.B.A.N.
"We work well with elected representatives from all political parties, including Unionists, on matters of mutual concern for the border community.
"Intensive debate about constitutional change on the island of Ireland is already taking place. In October 5,000 people packed into the 3Arena, Dublin, to debate this issue, organised by Ireland’s Future. Eight parties on the island were represented along with unionist voices. The Ulster Hall, Belfast, was packed in November for a similar discussion. Hundreds attended a debate about Ireland’s future in the Garage Theatre, Monaghan, sponsored by Matt Carthy T.D."
Cllr Treanor continue: "The citizens of Monaghan and the border region have most to gain from ending partition.
"We can imagine the benefits and opportunities of moving from the periphery of two states, with a boom and bust economy, smuggling and recurring conflict, to being in the centre of a new and thriving republic.
"The motion will now be sent to the new Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, in seeking his support."
