The Irish government must plan for “democratic constitutional change” by creating a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity, Sinn Féin’s leader has said.
Mary Lou McDonald was addressing her party’s annual ard fheis (conference) in Athlone.
She said she wanted to see “orange and green reconciled” in a new Ireland.
Sinn Féin is the biggest party in Northern Ireland but has been frozen out of power at Stormont due to the collapse of the executive.
But its popularity has grown in the Republic of Ireland where it aims for a place in government for the first time.
Ms McDonald also said housing was “Sinn Féin’s number one priority” and said her party would introduce a three-year rent freeze in the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking about Irish unity she said “the day is coming when everyone on this island will have their say in referendums”.
“Each vote counting equally, no vetoes, no shifting of the goal posts.”
“We’re on our marks for a general election, local and European elections in June,” said Ms McDonald.
Source: bbc.com
