‘Unity momentum is growing and work on referendum is underway’

Derry academic Colin Harvey says the conversation around reunification is gaining momentum and preparatory work is underway around a potential referendum in the next decade.

Professor Harvey made the remarks at the Seanad Joint Committee on Implementing the Good Friday Agreement this week.

He was invited to brief the committee on the 2019 report, ‘The EU and Irish Unity-planning and preparing for constitutional change’ which he co-authored with his Queen’s University colleague, Mark Bassett.

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“The Good Friday Agreement contemplates reunification,” he said. “There is an international legal under-pinning right to self-determination recognised in the domestic constitutional law of both states. It’s acknowledged in the Irish Protocol and it’s gained international recognition. We are talking about commitments that have already essentially been made.”

The Derryman said he hopes that ‘their work is in some way helpful to what is a growing conversation across this island, about its future and constitutional change.’

Michelle Gildernew MP, thanked the pair for what she said was ‘outstanding and dedicated leadership’ and praised the ‘inclusive way they have carried out discussions.’

In response to questions asked by other members Prof. Harvey said: “This is a conversation that gains momentum every week, major universities are engaging in preparatory work. I think the island is on a trajectory for these referendums taking place in the decade ahead.”

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Refering to Brexit he said: “We placed enormous stress on advanced planning, so that people know what they are voting for or against when these referendums that we believe are coming, will actually take place.”

The professor, emphasised strongly, the need for civic engagement.

“What we don’t need is a top-down process. Yes, we need governmental involvement but we need to hear from people. Too much of the discussion on the island at the moment is based on assumptions. Rather than engaging with wider civic society.”

He added: “For me, a united Ireland is a shared island. There is no either/or.... I would much like to see the Shared Island Unit and the Irish government take a much more pro-active and leadership role in relation to this discussion. This is absolutely mainstream within the GFA, and if you respect the GFA and all its parts, then you have to respect the right of the people of this island to determine their own future.”

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