![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/2.45214552.jpg\")
A reunified Ireland offers the best opportunity to tackle Brexit and economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic, Sinn F\u00e9in has claimed.<\/p>\nA reunified Ireland offers the best opportunity to tackle Brexit and economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic, Sinn F\u00e9in has claimed.<\/p>\n
A new policy paper by the party, the Economic Benefits of a United Ireland, contends that Westminster decisions have been to the \u201ceconomic detriment\u201d of Northern Ireland, describing it as the \u201cslowest growing economy on these islands\u201d.<\/p>\n
It advocates the potential of renewable energy across the island and points to the example of the reunification of Germany as how integration and investment can \u201csubstantially improve economic conditions in the smaller jurisdiction involved in transition\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s paper also contends that Irish unity is a \u201cmain topic of discussion\u201d in Ireland and internationally, adding that Brexit, the economic consequences of the pandemic and the climate and biodiversity crisis are \u201cbest faced with a united Ireland economy\u201d.<\/p>\n
The paper calls on the Irish Government to prepare for unity, adding it has a \u201cduty and a constitutional obligation\u201d to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe time to begin planning to realize these economic benefits, and the broader benefits of reunification, is now,” the papers urges.<\/p>\n
While Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin created a Shared Island Unit within his department, at the virtual launch of her party\u2019s paper, Sinn F\u00e9in president Mary-Lou McDonald said more is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need now an agreed space, an agreed forum, a citizen\u2019s assembly to ensure that those practical conversations and preparations begin now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no excuse for anyone, much less any political leader to bury their head in the sand and to imagine that this issue is going to go away.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact is that we are going to have a referendum on Irish unity, I believe we will win that referendum and win it well but we have to be in a state of preparedness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat work needs to start now. Much more is required beyond the ambitions so far of this shared island unit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McDonald described the paper as an \u201cinvitation for everyone to participate to advance their view, ideas also concerns or fears for us to collectively map out the opportunities that Irish unity can afford\u201d.<\/p>\n
Also speaking at the launch, the party\u2019s deputy president Michelle O\u2019Neill described a \u201cchanging political landscape\u201d with \u201cpolitical momentum moving in one direction\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrexit has become a catalyst for that change and that conversation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n