10 May 1998
Rita O'Hare proposing Ard Chomhairle resolution number 13
calling for a Yes vote in the referenda North and SouthIn the framing of this resolution, the Ard Comhairle took our decision, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of the members of the Ard Chomhairle clearly in the overall content of the Good Friday document. More importantly, we judged it against the aims set by our own strategy. Our aim is freedom and unity, the removal of British rule in Ireland and an end to partition and conflict.
Sinn Fein's peace strategy has been the engine for change. Through this we have created a dynamic for change which is irreversible. We know that the balance of political forces on this island do not allow, at this time, for the immediate securing of our primary objective of Irish unity and independence.
We put a strategy in place to move us towards our goal. For that strategy to work, we must employ tactics to put it into operation. The strategy is the constant but tactics have to be continually assessed, adapted, new tactics have to be brought into play, all of which are dictatd by our startegic objectives.
In taking our decision to call for a yes vote, the Ard Chomhairle is very aware of, and fully understands, the difficulty this poses for some republicans who may want to vote otherwise. But we are asking for the support of all delegates for this resolution which is firmly rooted in our strategic objectives and our strategic approach.
Sinn Fein is an all-Ireland party. We are the only all-Ireland party and we are the only party which actively and vigorously pursues the goal of a united Ireland. For us, a united Ireland is not merely an aspiration, its not an item on a wish-list or something that is a rhetorical demand. It is a real and achievable goal that all our energy and resources are dedicated to achieving. In the next phase of our struggle it is essential that our strength as an all Ireland party is emphasised and that we speak and act with one voice, with a clear, cohesive and coherent message. We must increase our political strength north and south so that the dynamic towards unity and independence is stronger.
The question being put in the referendum in the 26 counties asks the electorate to agree to profound changes in Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution. Sinn Fein opposes changes to Articles 2 and 3 which would remove the imperative to unity or alter the definition of the territory of the nation or affect the rights to citizenship. We oppose the incorporation of the consent clause.
In coming to our decision, the Ard Comhairle debated this document at great length and took account of the views of our membership expressed through their Ard Comhairle reps. There are elements in both referenda that present real difficulties for republicans and nationalists. It is right that all aspects of this document are examined in the wider context and in light of implications for the future.
However we must not ignore the amendment to Article 29 which inserts the Constitutional provision for the establishment of the North/South bodies which ensures the actuality of right to jurisdiction in the north. This is a practical and constitutional assertion of the Irish governments's right to exercise authority throughout Ireland. We should also note that the proposed change to Article 2 will confirm a constitutional right to citizenship for the people of the 6 counties.
Change is coming, change that is the result of our struggle and it must be managed and catered for. It is not only the rapidly changing demographics of the 6 counties that will be a deciding factor for the future but the increasingly confident assertion by nationalists of their rights and their place in Irish society. As an all Ireland party, Sinn Fein will be able to represent this emerging force. We are the party of the future.
On the unionists side, change is viewed with fear and suspicion. The old certainties are gone forever but there is little sign of a new mindset that will carry Unionism into the new era. The Union is weakened and with it the `connection to England'. Unionism is in disarray. Unionists have to realise that the garrison is gone and that a new, inclusive Ireland is the future. Partition cannot withstand the tide that is running in Ireland. Sinn Fein is that tide.
The recommendation we are making to this Ard Fheis was not arrived at easily. It was the result of prolonged and detailed discussions. It was a difficult decision for all of us. But it is also, we believe, the right decision and we make this recommendation confident in our own strength and in the integrity of the historic struggle for Irish freedom.