MP: It’s time to plan for constitutional change

MP: It’s time to plan for constitutional change

24 July 2024

SOUTH Down MP Chris Hazzard believes it’s time to plan for constitutional change.

His comments come after after the publication of a report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics.

Mr Hazzard — who is part of the committee — described the findings as “significant” and said it’s now time to plan for constitutional change.

The MP said that over recent months, the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee had been working hard to investigate the “nuts and bolts of Irish reunification”. 

“This is a significant report which calls for immediate planning for a referendum on constitutional change,” said Mr Hazzard.

“It recognises that the political system must build a consensus on the vision for a new and united Ireland, which is welcome and must get underway. 

“Preparing for such a referendum on Irish reunification is a historic task and a huge opportunity that requires significant groundwork and a well-prepared constitutional pathway.”

The South Down MP revealed the report recognises that preparations must include listening to and incorporating perspectives from all communities on the island.

He continued: “It includes recommendations for enhanced cooperation in areas such as education, energy, climate action and transport infrastructure, 

all essential steps that make sense and must be embraced by both administrations on the island.

“Among the key recommendations is the call for a government-led approach to constitutional change preparation, coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, and the need for a Green Paper outlining a vision for a united Ireland, informed by broad political and public consultation, which Sinn Féin fully support.”

Mr Hazzard said his party has argued for Citizens Assemblies to be established to consider any Green Paper to enable extensive public engagement, North and South, and ensure inclusivity, particularly of unionist perspectives and traditionally underrepresented groups, which the report acknowledges is vitally important.